How many times has your dentist or dental hygienist asked you about brushing your teeth? Too often, may adults assume they clean their teeth properly, only to leave their smiles vulnerable to the onset of tooth decay. Are you brushing your teeth correctly?
Common Questions About Proper Brushing
Question: Is electric better?
Answer: Electric toothbrushes are an excellent way to help clean your teeth and control plaque buildup. But in the end, the option you actually use is the one that works best. As long as you are cleaning as often as the dentist recommends, then manual or electric can work.
Question: Does it matter what kind of bristles they have?
Answer: The type of bristle does matter actually. You may seem them ranked by soft, medium, and hard. We recommend sticking only with the soft bristles. Should you brush too rough with hard or medium, you could actually end up damaging your enamel.
Question: How often should you be using your toothbrush?
Answer: You should be brushing your teeth twice a day, once when you wake up and again before going to bed. Each session should last no less than two minutes to ensure you’ve reached every surface and thoroughly cleaned your teeth.
Question: When should you floss?
Answer: We recommend flossing your teeth each night before going to bed. Floss is vital because it reaches the spaces in between the teeth that a toothbrush’s bristles often can’t reach. Combined, brushing and flossing your teeth can limit your risk of tooth decay and other oral health complications. If you have any questions about maintaining good oral health, then please contact our team today to schedule a visit.
Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities. Learn more with a worry-free consultation. Request a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.