We all know how important good dental hygiene is, and that starts with brushing your teeth! It's the basic task that we've been carrying out at least twice a day for as long as we can remember so most of us assume that we're doing it right. However, you might be surprised to learn that you're making some rookie errors. It's certainly not too late to mend your ways, so check out these ten tips to get you back to basics and get your oral hygiene back on track!
Each time you brush your teeth, it should be for at least 2 minutes. Get a toothbrush with a timer, or time it on your phone, as it can be easy to run under.
For the best technique, you need to be using a brush that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.
Choose your toothpaste wisely. While whitening and tartar control can be useful sometimes, that can also erode enamel if used constantly so switch up with a plain fluoride toothpaste, as well.
Make sure you change your toothbrush (or head, if you use an electric or sonic brush) once every three to four months, or sooner if it's starting to look worn or frayed.
Make sure that you've got your brushing technique down. You should be brushing every surface of your teeth… front, back and top, in a circular or up and down motion. Ask your dentist if you're not sure you're doing it right.
You only need to brush with a light touch. Brushing too hard can actually damage your gums!
If you eat or drink something acidic or sugary, it temporarily softens your enamel, and if you brush while your enamel is softened, it can more easily wear away. That's why it's best to wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth.
If you get stuck in the same old routine, you might find yourself slacking on your tooth brushing, possibly doing it for too short a time or not thoroughly enough. Switch up your routine by brushing in a different part of the house. The sheer excitement will spur you on to better dental hygiene!
Make sure to rinse your toothbrush well after brushing and leave it out to air dry, rather than stowing it away in a case.
Standing your toothbrush up to dry is best. If you rest it with the head on your bathroom counter, it could pick up all sorts of nasty germs.
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