Brushing our teeth is something that all of us have been doing for as long as we can remember, a task that most of us feel pretty confident about performing that we have made a habit out of. But, what if you were to find out that you have been doing it all wrong?
Keep reading to learn more about this seemingly simple task. Discover if you have been doing it right, and how to do it properly—in case you haven’t—with the guidance of our dental experts at South Plains Rural Health Services.
Brushing Your Teeth and the 80/20 Rule
The 80/20 rule or the Pareto principle states that 80% of results come from 20% of causes. In dentistry this means that, when it comes to maintaining your oral health, 80% of results come from 20% of your habits. Referring to brushing your teeth, flossing, and using mouthwash on a regular basis. These practices are essential to maintain your oral health, by getting rid of bacteria that can contribute to tooth decay or gum disease. But simply doing it regularly without the proper technique is not enough, that’s why guidance from experts in the area is so important.
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Recommendations to Maintain Your Oral Health
1. Use Toothpaste With Moderation
Normally, commercials would show toothpaste completely covering all bristles of a toothbrush, leading some people to believe it’s the right amount to use. After all, the more, the better, right? In truth, this practice should not be repeated at home. Instead of spreading large quantities of toothpaste, people should use a moderate amount. You might be wondering “then what’s the right measure?” It depends on the age:
- Children under the age of 3: a smear, roughly the size of a grain of rice
- Adults and children over the age of 3: a pea-sized amount of paste
2. Choose the Right Toothbrush
Usually, people go for their favorite color or a cool design when picking their toothbrush, but choosing the right one is more than that. This tool is crucial to help remove residual food, plaque and bacteria, while still being gentle with teeth and gums. Choosing a soft-bristled brush is usually the best choice when it comes to brushing your teeth regularly at home. Always make sure to change your toothbrush every three to four months, or even sooner if you notice that the bristles are worn or frayed.
Read more: Dental Cleanings: Signs You Need to Get One in Lamesa, Texas
3. Technique Is Key to Brushing Properly
Now that you know which amount of toothpaste you should use, as well as the right toothbrush, is the time to learn the right method when it comes to brushing your teeth. Without the proper brushing technique, you’d be leaving plaque regardless of how good your brush is, or the quantity of paste you’re using. Because of that, learning and sticking to the following recommendations is going to help you maintain your oral health for the long term:
- Aim your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle
- Use short, circular motions rather than back and forth
- Be gentle and don’t press to hard while brushing your teeth
- Brush your teeth for two to three minutes
4. Don’t Rely Only on Brushing Your Teeth
To ensure your oral health, brushing your teeth is a crucial step, but it can’t be the only thing you rely on to maintain your oral health. For instance, never forget to brush your tongue, given that it also collects large amounts of bacteria that need to be cleaned on a daily basis. Flossing is also important, our dental experts recommend doing it at least once a day to get rid of residual food and bacteria between your teeth. To complement your teeth cleaning habits, using mouthwash at least once a day is also advised.
Related: Dentist in Lamesa, Texas: Practical Dental Care Tips From an Expert
Schedule Your Annual Dental Visit
Your oral health is an essential part of your overall wellness, which is why learning the right habits to guarantee it is so important. Brushing your teeth and taking care of your dental well-being is going to help you prevent complications and guarantee that everything is okay between dental visits.
While these cleaning habits are essential, scheduling your routine dental check-up is also crucial. At South Plains Rural Health Services we are committing to provide comprehensive care to all our patients. Contact us to schedule your next consultation with our dentistry experts to get your annual dental cleaning and check-up, up to date.