Three Steps to Healthy Teeth

One of the first things that we have heard from other mothers is that we need to brush our teeth after every meal. Although most of us have followed this advice strictly throughout the years it does not mean that we are doing the right thing. It definitely pays to relearn these principles again and follow the right things this time.

1. The Right Toothbrush
Having the right toothbrush is the first step to maintaining good oral health. The task of choosing a toothbrush can be very confusing especially with grocery shelves filled with so many brands and designs of toothbrushes. The first thing to take note of is the toothbrush head. Ideally, the head should be just the right size for your mouth. For the bristles, they should stand up straight and be round ended to prevent bleeding gums. Although flat bristles are ideal for people with periodontal disease, multi-level bristles will work fine as well. Finally, the toothbrush should have an easy to grip handle for comfort. The rule is to replace your toothbrush after every three months. Toothbrushes with colored bristles will help remind you that need to get a new one after the color fade.
People who have larger teeth spaces will benefit a lot from using interdental toothbrushes. Interdental toothbrushes will help remove food particles lodged in these spaces to prevent plaque buildup. On the other hand, electric toothbrushes are recommended for people with bridges, crowns and dental implants.

2. The Right Toothpaste
The toothpaste is just as important as your toothbrush. With so many toothpastes being sold, choosing a specific one can be very daunting. Because of its ability to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth, the ideal toothpaste should contain fluoride as an active ingredient. Gels have become popular throughout the years but the traditional toothpaste is better in that it is less abrasive than the silica-containing gel. Whitening toothpastes may whiten the teeth but not beyond its normal color.

3. Proper Way to Brush
Naturally, one should make sure to brush the outer surfaces of the teeth. After doing so, the next thing to do is to brush the inner surfaces. The outer and inner surfaces should be brushed in a horizontal manner. Finally, the biting surfaces of the lower and upper teeth should likewise be brushed. If using an electric toothbrush, each individual tooth must be brushed for five seconds making sure to clean all surfaces before moving on to the next tooth.

Elliot Pearson Writes as a specialist for Dentist Identity who provides Dental Websites and Dental SEO