At Clark Family Dental, we provide preventive dentistry in New Albany. When you come to see us, we will treat you with respect and as an individual. Each person has different dental hygiene needs and is at a different point when it comes to having a healthy, happy smile. We will work with you and take the time to talk to you about what your oral hygiene concerns are.
One of the best ways to maintain good dental health is by brushing your teeth regularly and maintaining good brushing habits. Your toothbrush is the main tool you have to maintain oral health.
So, we have assembled some tips on how to correctly brush teeth.
-Brush your teeth gently two times a day for two minutes each time. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this can damage gums.
-Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. If the bristles on your toothbrush start to fray or curl, replace your toothbrush.
-Rinse the toothbrush after you use it.
-Let your toothbrush dry between each use. In a closed container, a toothbrush can grow bacteria.
-Don’t share toothbrushes.
What kinds of toothbrushes are best?
Soft versus hard bristles
While hard bristles may make it easier to scrub the plaque away, they aren’t better overall. In the end, hard bristles also scrape off tooth enamel and can bother gums. This can even lead to a greater risk of gum recession.
We recommend using a soft-bristle brush and ditching any toothbrushes that have hard bristles.
Manual versus powered brushes
As technology has improved, modern electric toothbrushes have become better at reaching plaque in hard-to-reach spots than manual brushes. While in the past there wasn’t a big difference, many electric brushes today have benefits over manual toothbrushes.
Electric toothbrushes have been found to reduce plaque by up to 21 percent more than a manual toothbrush. Also, it can be easier to brush for two minutes with an electric brush as you don’t have to press down as hard.
How should toothbrushes be stored?
Store the toothbrush upright in a place where it can dry out. Also, make sure you keep your toothbrush stored in a place as far away from the toilet as you can.
Schedule an Appointment
If it’s been awhile since you’ve last seen a dentist, schedule an appointment at Clark Family Dental. Our staff members are friendly and helpful. We are happy to schedule appointments for new and existing patients.
