When we are young, we learn how to brush our teeth and it becomes a habit. While habitual teeth brushing is great for your dental health, we usually don’t consider updating our habits. In today’s blog, your Charles City, IA, dentist will give some helpful advice for updating your brushing habits to get even better results in between your twice yearly checkups and cleanings.
Make Sure Your Brush Is Fresh
An old, worn out toothbrush is not only less sanitary than a fresh toothbrush, but it can’t clean your teeth as well! When bristles are splayed out, broken, and worn down, they can’t maneuver as easily into the hard to reach spots where little pieces of food and plaque like to hide. So, the American Dental Association says it’s best to replace your toothbrush at least every three or four months and, if yours is already worn down, to go ahead and replace it now to give you the best chance to fight cavities.
Store Your Toothbrush Properly
Bacteria love wet places, especially when those places remain damp for extended periods of time- like the head of a toothbrush that can’t dry. So, it is important to always store your toothbrush so that it has the best chance of fully drying: with bristles pointed up and exposed to the air. Storing your toothbrush in a cup with the bristles pointing down or just next to the sink where it is touching the likely wet counter is a recipe for bacteria harboring, so make sure that you always pay attention to brush storage.
Bristle Firmness Is Important
Firm toothbrush bristles may sound like a good idea since they would seem to have more scrubbing power, but they can actually harm your teeth and gums, making them a poor choice for your overall dental health. Choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles is the best choice, as it has all of the scrubbing power you need, and it’s safer for your teeth.
Careful With Pressure
Similarly to bristle firmness, you also don’t want to use too much pressure when you are brushing your teeth. Not only can it lead to sensitive gums, it can also cause harm to the enamel of your teeth, wearing down the outer layer and exposing the softer layer beneath, which leaves your teeth with a higher likelihood of decay and you more likely to experience tooth sensitivity.
Get an Even More Thorough Clean in Our Office
Brushing your teeth well is a great and necessary way to care for your teeth at home. However, you still need to visit your dentist regularly! If it’s time for your six month checkup and cleaning, schedule a visit by calling Central Park Dentistry in Charles City, IA, today at (641) 228-1115. We also proudly welcome patients from Nora Springs, Riceville, and all surrounding communities.
