Proper Brushing FAQs
Mouth open or mouth closed?After lunch or after dinner?Flat or at an angle?We brush our teeth every day (hopefully!), but who knew it was this complicated. Just grab abrush a get to work, right?Not so fast, my friend! There are actually some best practices to be mindful of when brushingthose pearly whites.The trick is cutting through the fat and finding out exactly what works. We live in a world ofalternate facts, truthiness, and lists of “7 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean Without Picking Up aToothbrush.” What’s even correct these days?!Fear not, because we’ve got you covered with this handy FAQ (frequently asked questions)guide. We’ll keep it simple with some easy dos and don’ts of brushing. Let’s get to it!
Proper Brushing Habits
Don’t: Keep your brush flatDo: Use a 45-degree angle when brushingDon’t: Use looooooooong strokes. No need to cover your whole mouth in one stroke!Do: Use short, side to side strokesDon’t: Brush with the force of a giant. This isn’t a strongman contest!Do: Gently cover all areas. A gentle touch helps prevent wear and tear on your enamelDon’t: Go one and doneDo: Brush at least twice a day, especially after eating or drinking something acidic (like citrus orsoda)Don’t: Be sentimental and use the same toothbrush for lifeDo: Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. A trick to remember: switch out on the first dayof each seasonDon’t: Be average – the average person brushes their teeth for 45 secondsDo: Brush for a full 2 minutes. A helpful trick: say the alphabet while brushing a certain section,move to the next section after you hit Z.Don’t: Keep your toothbrush in a closed containerDo: All your toothbrush to air dryDon’t: Store your toothbrush on the sink counter where bathroom particles can get on itDo: Store your toothbrush in the medicine cabinetDon’t: Wield a tough-bristled brushDo: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is much better for your tooth enamelAnd there we have it! Some easy practices to keep that perfect smile. Remember: Brushing is only 4 minutes out of the day, so why not make it the best 4 minutes of the day!