Discover proper brushing techniques that will improve your at-home oral care routine.
Caring for your smile is important. So, don’t you want to make sure that you are doing it right? If you aren’t sure whether your brushing technique is up to par or not then it’s time to find out. Our Kalamazoo, MI, dentist Dr. Mark Richardson would be happy to share with you some helpful tips for how to get your smile cleaner from the comfort of your own home.
What is the purpose of brushing?
Brushing is the best way to remove plaque buildup from teeth and along the gumline. If you didn’t brush, plaque continues to build up on your teeth where it can erode tooth enamel and lead to decay. This is why it’s so important that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, once at night before bedtime and again when getting up in the morning.
What are some tips for making sure I’m brushing properly?
In order to make sure that you are removing plaque and food from all surfaces of your teeth you’ll want to follow these helpful tips for brushing more thoroughly,
- When placing the toothbrush against your teeth make sure to hold the brush at 45-degree angle toward the gumline. Use circular motions when cleaning the front surface of your teeth.
- Next, make sure that you brush all chewing surfaces of your back teeth.
- To brush the inside surfaces of your teeth you’ll want to angle the brush head vertically and brush up and down.
Do electric toothbrushes clean teeth better?
Many people wonder if an electric toothbrush will be able to clean their teeth more thoroughly. Electric and manual toothbrushes can be equally effective at cleaning teeth and removing plaque as long as you are brushing properly and brushing twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time.
Of course, some people prefer electric toothbrushes because they apply the appropriate amount of pressure to thoroughly clean teeth. Electric toothbrushes may also be better for patients with arthritis and other dexterity issues since they can be easier to maneuver.
Do I still need to see my dentist for routine checkups?
Even once you know you are giving your teeth the very best clean possible it’s still crucial that your visit your Kalamazoo, MI, general dentist every six months no matter what. This is the best way to protect teeth against decay and gum disease, as well as detect these common dental issues early on.
Do you have questions about how to care for your smile? Do you want to schedule your next dental checkup with us? Whatever the case may be, our Kalamazoo, MI, dental team can help you. Call us today at (269) 343-6907.