How would your dentist feel about your brushing habits? A dental care plan is a complete waste of money if you are not practicing proper teeth brushing techniques. Over brushing teeth could be just as bad as under brushing, so there clearly is a happy medium of ideal dental hygiene that you must meet, but do you know where that medium is? Before you waste any more of your dental care plan, read on for some helpful teeth brushing tips to get back on the right track.
1. When To Brush Teeth
You should brush your teeth at least two, if not three, times a day. Any more and it could be too much. Over brushing can cause increased gum deterioration. Brushing should happen once in the morning, once before bed, and preferably once after your midday meal. Flossing should occur once after every single meal.
Flossing is the worst. We all know that. And it can be tricky to get the hang of it at first. But it does wonders at keeping your gums healthy and removing the gunk that can sit and rot against your teeth. Just do not be too zealous with your flossing, because too vigorous a flossing can lead to gum deterioration as well.
2. How Long
Two minutes. That is all. But it is not that simple. If someone says brush your teeth for two minutes, you would go and spend too much time in one spot, not enough in another, and end up brushing the same spot too much every single time.
Take the two minutes and break it into four separate blocks of 30 seconds each. Now separate your mouth into four sections as well. Left and right upper, left and right lower, each split right down the middle of your mouth. Spend 30 seconds on each portion. And start in a different section every time you brush. We have a tendency to get sloppy over the two minutes. By rotating starting areas, it is not always that one quadrant that gets the best brushing, and the last one that always gets the sloppy brushing.
There you have it. Two simple tips to extend the life and value on your dental care plan. Start working with those and your teeth will be up to ideal health in no time. And the next time you make it in to your dentist, she will be pleasantly surprised at the progress you have made.