ALL ABOUT BRUSHING
You know oral care is vital for your smile and overall health, but how will you know you're taking care of your oral hygiene? Answer all your questions about brushing your teeth, including how long you need to brush, how to tell if your teeth are clean and typical techniques to do a thorough cleaning.
How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes. Two minutes can seem like a long time - especially for children. You can use a timer to make it a bit more fun. Some electric toothbrushes have automatic timers to encourage dedicating two minutes to brushing.
Can You Brush Your Teeth Too Much?
Brushing for longer than two minutes is not harmful, as long as you're using firm but gentle pressure. Using too much pressure can damage enamel and gum tissue, leading to tooth sensitivity and irritated gums. Try brushing with your non-dominant hand to realise the difference in the amount of pressure on your teeth.
What tools are best for brushing my teeth?
Combined with the brushing technique, you need the correct tools to do a good job with any task. In general, choosing a soft-bristle toothbrush that can fit in the hard-to-reach places and your mouth with fluoride toothpaste will do the job! It's essential to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Worn, frayed brushes don't clean thoroughly, and older brushes can harbour bacteria. Whatever tools are most comfortable for you to complete proper brushing twice a day, two minutes each time are the best choice.
How to tell if your teeth are clean enough
Two minutes may not cut it if you're not brushing correctly. All surfaces of your teeth should be clean and free from debris. Remember to use short strokes, moving back and forth against the teeth and gums, on every tooth. Reach behind the front teeth and your back molars too. Also, cleaning between your teeth is just as important as brushing.
If you're not reaching these narrow areas or using an interdental brush, floss, or water flossers, if you notice more plaque build-up or bleeding gums, you may not be cleaning your teeth well enough. Your dental hygienist at your next appointment can let you know if you're not brushing or flossing enough.