While you might think the act of brushing your teeth is simple enough, there are many things you can still learn about the process even as an adult. Our ingrained cleaning habits are not always the most effective means of protecting and cleaning our teeth, as you’ll learn in our latest post.
Here, our team will take a closer look and present a guide to brushing teeth for orthodontic patients in Rancho Cucamonga.
- Don’t Apply Too Much Pressure
One of the first mistakes patients make when brushing their teeth is to apply too much pressure. This can irritate the teeth and gums, particularly if you’re using a hard-bristled brush. The right amount of pressure can be determined by the bristles. Are the bristles being pushed down into the teeth? If so, you’re likely applying too much pressure. Are they completely straight with only the end making contact? Too little pressure is being applied in this instance.
Try to balance the amount of pressure used during brushing, keeping the bristles in constant contact with a firm grasp of the tooth handle.
- Time Your Brushing
Another common error in brushing teeth is taking too little time for the cleaning process. When done properly, brushing should take two minutes. Make sure that you time your brushing and go over all areas of the mouth with your brush. This is particularly important for orthodontic patients in Rancho Cucamonga as leftover food can easily be caught behind braces. Take a minute for the bottom teeth and a minute for the top teeth for that assured clean feeling and result.
- Clean the Front, Sides, and Back
Most of us clean the front of our teeth well during brushing. Yet we often forget the back and the sides of teeth. The back and the sides must be cleaned to mitigate plaque buildup and remove bacteria. Make sure you’re getting in between your teeth with the bristles of the brush and carefully go over the back of your teeth. You may need special guidance from a dentist if you’re unsure. It’s imperative you clean carefully and thoroughly for optimal oral hygiene.
Our team at California Dental Care & Orthodontics in Rancho Cucamonga is here to help. To discover more about oral health maintenance, call today for an appointment!
