For some, going to the dentist can be an intimidating or even painful experience. Knowing that a dentist may prod in your mouth, scraping teeth or causing gums to bleed can prevent even those with the strongest of stomachs from making regular visits to check in on their oral health. However, much of the anxiety that comes from visiting the dentist can be relieved by following a few brushing tips every day.
Tips to Maintaining Clean Teeth & Oral Health
Brushing your teeth not only serves the purpose of decreasing bad breath, but is crucial to prevent serious gum disease and tooth decay. By keeping up with the following dentist-approved brushing tips, you are on your way to better oral health and likely less painful dentist’s visits!
Tips for brushing your pearly whites:
- Floss before brushing
- To really do your mouth some good, brush teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day
- Use softer bristles and brush less hard to make sure gum and tooth structure are not damaged
- Brush teeth in circular motions instead of in a back-and-forth motion
- Change toothbrushes when they show wear, around every 3 to 4 months
- Use electric toothbrushes that mimic the types of equipment found in dentist’s offices
- Chew sugar-free gum in between brushing to help remove food debris between teeth
While even the best oral health should not discourage anyone from visiting the dentist every six months, it is important to be consistent in cleaning habits. These tips make a difference when they become a regular habit. Making oral care a priority can help ease the stress surrounding dentist visits and could prevent costly dental repairs in the future.
