How To Brush Your Teeth So They Are Beautiful And Healthy

Brushing your teeth in the morning and evening is a healthy habit that most people learn in childhood. It would seem that nothing could be simpler. But there are still many questions. Which toothbrush is better: electric or regular? Is it necessary to use dental floss? What is an irrigator? Which toothpaste should you choose? Why do you need mouthwash? Let’s figure out how to brush your teeth correctly.

When to brush your teeth

Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day: in the morning and in the evening. This is the minimum required to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

In the evening, everything is simple – teeth are brushed immediately before going to bed. But in the morning, people act differently. Some brush their teeth as soon as they get up, while others – only after breakfast. Dentists have not yet decided which is better. On the one hand, brushing before breakfast removes bacteria that have accumulated overnight. If this is not done, they will multiply during the meal and damage the enamel. On the other hand, people usually have breakfast quite quickly, and bacteria do not have time to cause significant damage. If you brush your teeth after breakfast, it will remove food particles and freshen your breath. The toothpaste will remain on your teeth longer, and the active ingredients will work better. But in this case, it is easier to forget about brushing your teeth in the morning, especially if you are in a hurry. In general, each option has its pros and cons. You can choose the one that suits you best.

Twice a day is the minimum. If you want, you can brush your teeth after every meal. But it is better to wait at least half an hour. This is especially important if you ate or drank something containing acid. For example, coffee or orange juice. Such products make the enamel more fragile. It needs time to restore its natural protection.

How to choose a toothbrush and take proper care of it

You can brush your teeth with any brush that seems comfortable. Most people prefer brushes with a small, streamlined head. It is better to choose soft or medium-hard bristles. They effectively remove plaque without damaging the gums and enamel.

It doesn’t matter whether you have an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush. According to the American Dental Association, they both remove plaque equally well when used correctly.

Each brush has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Regular brushes are cheaper. You can buy them in almost any supermarket. They are convenient to use when traveling because you don’t need to look for a socket or replacement batteries.
• Electric toothbrushes help you concentrate on the process and brush your teeth more effectively. They are suitable for people with limited mobility and are often liked by children. Plus, they are more environmentally friendly compared to regular toothbrushes, because you only need to change a small nozzle.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or more often if the bristles are worn. After brushing, rinse the brush thoroughly to remove any remaining toothpaste or plaque. Store the brush upright with the bristles facing up so that it has time to dry between brushings. You can disinfect it with mouthwash or a three percent hydrogen peroxide solution.

How to choose toothpaste

Experts recommend brushing teeth with fluoridated toothpastes because they protect teeth from caries. Fluoride content is usually indicated on the packaging. For adults, the indicator should be at least 1350 ppm, and for children, 1000 ppm is enough . In some regions of our country (for example, in the Moscow, Tver, Ryazan, Sverdlovsk regions), the fluoride content in water is increased . Residents of such regions are advised to choose fluoride-free toothpaste for children. Otherwise, yellow, white or brown spots may appear on the enamel.

How to brush your teeth properly

1. Rinse your teeth with water.
2. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto your toothbrush.
3. Holding the brush at a 45 degree angle, use circular motions to brush the outer surface of your teeth.
4. Use circular motions to clean the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
5. Using sweeping motions from bottom to top, clean the inside surface of your teeth.
6. Rotate the brush so that the bristles pass between the front teeth and clean the interdental space.
7. Use gentle, careful movements to clean your tongue.
8. Spit out any remaining paste.