Mar11

Think You Know How To Brush? Think Again.

Categories: Dental health, General dentistry

Wilmette tooth brushing tips

You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to autopilot morning and night and get it done. But Mantis Dentistry & Implant Center in Wilmette IL has a question: are you doing it right?

We ask this in all seriousness. There is always room for improvement, even in something as basic as brushing your teeth.

Essential Dental Health

Brushing, after all, is an important part of any daily dental health routine. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, and with a soft-bristled toothbrush. We strongly recommend flossing, too. Before or after you brush? The jury remains out on that one. We think before is better, but the most important thing is that you do it.

  • Be sure to get all over your teeth: the front, the sides, inside and out, and the cusps.
  • When you do the sides, be sure you brush along the gum-line. Use a gentle touch, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, and use soft, circular strokes.
  • Use a pea-sized blob of fluoridated toothpaste (be sure to use enough).
  • Be sure the head of the toothbrush isn’t too big, especially if you have a smaller mouth. It needs to fit easily between your cheeks and gums. The handle is less important, but make sure it feels comfortable in your hand. Replace your toothbrush every three months, if not more often.
  • Plaque is soft and loose, so you don’t have to scrub very hard to remove it. Think of it not so much as brushing, but massaging your teeth and gums. With that in mind, you should you be able to keep a light touch.
  • Finally, brush for at least two minutes. If you’re running late, and are tempted to cut it short, resist. If it helps, use a stopwatch. You’ve probably got one on your smart phone.

At Mantis Dentistry & Implant Center in Wilmette IL, we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. People come from North Shore, Evanston, Winnetka, and Kenilworth for complete general and preventive dentistry services. Schedule an appointment today.

Contact Mantis Dentistry & Implant Center:

847-256-4776

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1625 N Sheridan Rd Ste J
Wilmette, IL
60091

 

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