3 Tips From Our Saint Paul Dentists To Help You Brush More Effectively

Written by Drs. Mark and Rachel Malterud on May 5, 2021

Brushing your teeth twice a day is the cornerstone of any good at-home oral hygiene routine. The more effectively you are able to clean your smile, the fewer oral health issues you will deal with down the road. Keep reading to get more information from our Saint Paul dentists on how to optimize your brushing!

Get a new brush

The first step in any situation is to make sure that you have the right tools for the job. When it comes to your toothbrush, you want to keep a few specific factors in mind.

First of all, the bristle strength should not be too firm. Most people will actually do well with a soft-bristled brush. If you aren’t sure what type of bristle is right for you, talk to your dental team; they can help!

The next think to perfect is the technique that you are using. You want to apply gentle pressure to your teeth and oral tissues, so as not to inadvertently cause dental damage. Move your toothbrush in small circular motions to buff away plaque and dental debris.

Set a timer to keep track of time

The American Dental Association recommends that patients brush their smiles continuously for at least two minutes. We have found that many people don’t brush long enough; so, in order to get used to brushing for two minutes, try setting a timer or listening to a song.

Don’t forget your oral tissues

Bad breath is often caused by bacterial build up on the tongue. It is crucial that you clean your tongue and oral tissues every time that you brush. You can even incorporate a tongue scraper into your routine for additional cleaning power.

We all know the basics of cleaning and caring for your smile at home. Our Saint Paul dentists hope that this short article has given you a bit of additional guidance, so that you can take your daily dental routine to the next level. Want to learn more? Give us a call, or use our Contact Us page to get started.