Do you brush your teeth twice a day and think that you're doing all that you can do? It's possible that your brushing technique is not that good and you are not brushing your teeth effectively. Here are some tips that will help you follow a proper brushing technique.
Time
Start by making sure that you are brushing for a full two minutes each time that you brush. It can help to use an actual timer to do this, since two minutes may feel like a very long time as you stand over the sink and brush your teeth. Many electric toothbrushes also use a timer that helps you brush for the full two minutes, and will automatically shut off when it is time to stop.
Brush Type
Always use a toothbrush that has soft bristles, since it will be gentle on your gums and not cause irritation. The toothbrush should also be the appropriate size for your mouth. A child should be using a toothbrush with a smaller head designed to fit their mouth. You may have extras laying around from your last dental appointment, but everyone should be using the right size brush.
Brush Angle
The purpose of brushing your teeth is not just to clean the visible tooth surface, but to get the plaque that is hiding in hard to reach spots like the pockets of your gums. That's why it's important to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle towards your gums so that the bristles can get in those pockets.
Brush Motion
You should be moving the brush with gentle strokes that go towards the gum line. When brushing the front and rear surfaces of your teeth, overlap the toothbrush with the gums lightly and use a circular motion to stimulate the gums in an ideal way. When you are brushing the chewing surface, use a back and forth motion to clean it in an effective way.
Sections
Try breaking down your mouth into different sections and focusing on that area for the appropriate amount of time. For example, you can divide your mouth into four quadrants that you focus on for 30 seconds each. This will help ensure that you are not brushing one area for too long and neglecting others. Some people sometimes brush haphazardly by moving all around their mouths, which can lead them to miss areas as a result.
Learn more about brushing your teeth by contacting a local dentist.