Importance of Healthy Brushing for Healthy Teeth

You have been brushing your teeth for most of your life, but are you really brushing teeth properly? The importance of brushing teeth properly is often overlooked, but it’s an important part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Most of us don’t really pay attention when we’re brushing. Instead, you may brush distractedly while thinking about your day, to-do lists or your weekend plans. While brushing your teeth properly isn’t rocket science, it does require a conscious effort to make sure it’s done right and for maximum effect.

Importance of brushing

Brushing your teeth help prevent tooth decay, it also helps prevent gum disease, which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults and has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. Removing tooth stains and avoiding bad breath are added benefits of brushing your teeth.

The foods that we eat contain sugars and starches. When plaque, the sticky substance that forms on the teeth, combines with these sugars and starches, an acid is produced that attacks tooth enamel, which causes tooth decay.

Brushing your teeth properly removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth and flossing removes plaque from in between the teeth. The Indian Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for about two minutes, preferably after eating.

Choosing the best toothbrush for your dental needs

Never use hard tooth brushes as it can cause enamel damage and irritation to gum tissue.
Medium brush works for people of all ages as long as your teeth are in good condition and your mouth is healthy..
A soft toothbrush offers gentle cleaning for children and the elderly. They are mainly indicated in people with teeth sensitivity

Brushing baby’s teeth – tips for choosing a toothbrush

As soon as baby’s first tooth erupts, it’s time to buy a good toothbrush. The best type to use at first is a long handled brush with a small head. This design makes it easy to reach all areas of mouth.
Another option is to use a specially designed infant toothbrush that fits over your finger.

The best toothpaste is…

There are none. That’s right.

While most people think that toothpaste is the key to better oral hygiene, then you’re not listening to the dentist during your checkups.

It is all about technique. Technique people!

Toothpastes just leave you that bubbly feeling and mask or conceal odors with stronger flavors like mint.

Except patient with sensitive teeth, for whom we recommend use of sensitive tooth paste which requires prolonged usage.

Tips on Brushing Teeth Properly

• Most dentists recommend brushing for two to three minutes, spending at least 30 seconds on each “quadrant” of your mouth by taking care to reach every tooth, as well as every surface of every tooth.
• Don’t forget your tongue. The tongue harbors a multitude of bacteria, particularly those that contribute to oral malodor. You can use a regular brush or a tongue scraper. In fact, many toothbrushes now feature textured tongue cleaners.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles start to wear off.