Oral hygiene is an essential behavior for ensuring good dental health and general well being. High levels of dental plaque have long been associated with causing dental problems such as cavities, tooth decay and gum disease and those conditions are linked to other health issues such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease. How tooth brushing is implemented can greatly reduce any risks to health.

In the past WH Family Dental has warned consumers about the risks of skipping tooth brushing and the importance of brushing teeth for a full two minutes and that soft bristled toothbrushes are the best option to get the job done. However, those are not the only important factors in regards to ensure ones oral hygiene is up to snuff and individuals looking to further improve the way they brush there teeth can immediately implement strategies to ensure positive changes to dental health.

Watch It!

In the scheme of things, two minutes may not seem like a long period of time, but individuals committed to brushing for that long may feel otherwise. A study from England has suggested that one in three UK adults fail to brush their teeth for the proper amount of time as they are too busy to get to the task and some may implement distractions like watching TV to make time fly. The fact time is only half of the equation, focus is the rest.

By watching oneself during the brushing process individuals can see exactly where the toothbrush is going. That commitment to attention will allow a person to more easily target areas laden with dental plaque and hard to reach areas such as back molars or wisdom teeth (if they have not already been extracted).

Additionally, individuals who look at their teeth during the act of brushing may discover dental problems that may require a trip to the dentist. For example, individuals who see a patch of build-up, brush to remove it and notice it isn’t budging may have tartar buildup that requires the skill of a professional dental hygienist to remove. It is also during this process that people can notice bleeding gums (a common indicator of gum disease) and indicators (excessive wear and tear) of conditions such as TMJ or bruxism.

Bad Approach

Since most people learn how to brush their teeth during childhood, the behavior may seem completely natural like sleeping or breathing. The fact is, just because you have been brushing your teeth for many years does not mean you are doing it correctly.

While teeth may appear to be extremely tough, they are actually comprised of an intricate network of enamel, dentin, pulp and nerves and individuals are encouraged to use a gentle touch, while holding a toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and to use small circular motions a couple of teeth at a time. Our Dentists also recommends “Clean[ing] the inner and outer surfaces of your upper teeth first, and then clean your lower teeth,” while paying special attention to the gum-line and brushing the tongue afterward to help ensure fresh breath.

Incorrect Toothpaste

Store shelves are lined with hundreds of toothpaste and each one has its own specialty. Individuals should make sure to choose the right toothpaste for their specific needs are risk the odds of developing dental problems.

For example, do you live in a community that has water fluoridation? If so you may be getting enough of the compound and instead may want to brush your teeth with a product using Xylintol, another scientifically proven cavity fighter. Maybe you have sensitive teeth? Staying away from a tooth-whitening toothpaste featuring harsh abrasives can help save your smile.

The fact is proper dental care is essential to well-being and on top of brushing behavior modification,  regular dental visits must be part of any general wellness plan. Individuals struggling to find a dentist that can clean teeth to improve health can call WH Family Dental to get the name of a great dental care provider up to the task.