How To Brush Your Teeth

Dr. Laura Bracken - Columbus, Indiana Dentist

How to Brush Your Teeth

There are two major components in the process of brushing
your teeth: The first is choosing the right toothbrush to use. Choosing a good
toothbrush is the most important step in learning how to brush your teeth well.
The best choice is a soft brush with a small head. Soft brushes are still
capable of removing plaque, while staying soft enough to protect your teeth or
gums from damage. The second major component is the toothpaste that you use.
Toothpaste that contains fluoride is typically good enough, unless your dentist
has determined that you have other special needs that need to be met by your
choice in toothpaste. Dr. Laura Bracken recommends Colgate Total and Crest
Multicare. A pea sized amount of toothpaste is usually good enough.

The rules of brushing are fairly simple. The first rule is
to make sure you don't miss any areas of your mouth. Pick a spot to start, work
your way to the opposite side and all the way through the entire mouth until you
finish where you started. Two minutes are adequate for a good brushing. But Dr.
Laura Bracken suggests that four minutes is the ideal amount of time that you
should spend brushing your teeth. Dr. Laura Bracken has been providing quality
dental care in the community of Columbus, Indiana and surrounding areas for over seven years.

The following are things you should keep in mind when
brushing your teeth: The tips of the bristles of the toothbrush should go in
between the gums and the teeth. Sweep the plaque away from the teeth and the
gums, while applying a lateral vibration with your toothbrush. Also, remember
that your brushing is not completed until you have brushed all the surfaces of
your teeth, not just when your mouth is full. On the surfaces where you chew
your food, short strokes work best to get the plaque out of the grooves and pits
of the teeth. When brushing the inside of your front teeth, holding the brush
vertically will help reach the teeth better. Dr. Laura Bracken believes that you
should brush your teeth after every meal. If this is not possible, try to brush
at least twice a day, after breakfast and before going to bed.

For more information, please visit Dr. Laura
Bracken's website at www.columbusfamilydentalcenter.com .
Dr. Laura Bracken - Columbus Dentist