Did you know that there are right and wrong ways to brush your teeth? Even if you brush your teeth daily, doing it incorrectly can cause more problems in the long run.
At PS Dental Care, we are committed to helping our patients brush and floss their teeth properly. Your dentist in Soho will show you all the correct ways to brush and floss your teeth and advise you against common mistakes.
Don’t overuse your toothbrush
Just like most oral hygiene products, toothbrushes have a life expectancy and the average life span of a toothbrush is 3 months. Roughly speaking, after 200-250 uses, you should replace your toothbrush because the bristles won’t be effective anymore. Moreover, if you use your toothbrush while having a bacterial infection, it’s important to replace it, because bacteria enjoy staying around wet and humid places just like the head of your toothbrush.
Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes
Not brushing your teeth enough or over-brushing them are very common mistakes made by a lot of people. In order to achieve the best results, mentally divide your mouth into 4 parts and dedicate at least 30 seconds in each section. This way, certain parts of your mouth – especially at the back – won’t be neglected.
Always use dental floss
Dental floss is a really important part of your oral hygiene routine. If you don’t know how to use it properly, ask your dentist in Soho and they will be happy to oblige. Aim to floss at least one tooth when you start and then it’s easier to move to the rest.
You should also clean your tongue
Just like our teeth and gums, our tongue can also harbour bacteria that can cause bad breath. Scraping your tongue with a special tool at least once a day is highly recommended by your dentist in Soho.
Avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes
Unless you are instructed by your dentist in Soho, you’d better avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes because too much pressure can hurt your gums and soft tissues in your mouth. Instead, opt for a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently in circular movements.