Brushing your teeth is an everyday routine, but are you doing it properly? The risk of not cleaning correctly is actually quite high.

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Improper brushing can result in plaque build-up which at the very least causes bad breath — and at the very worst, leads to tooth decay, pain and potential tooth loss.

Accumulation of plaque also results in gum disease and widespread inflammation, linked with a detrimental impact on overall health.

Maintaining good oral health is particularly important for those who have a higher risk of developing cavities and gum disease, such as those with a family history of these problems or those with autoimmune diseases.

Not only will taking better care of your dental hygiene benefit your overall health, it will keep your smile beautiful and help your wallet too!

READ ON FOR 10 TIPS ON HOW TO CLEAN YOUR TEETH EFFECTIVELY:

1. Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes each time
   Brushing is important as it removes plaque, which contains harmful bacteria. Given the amount we eat and drink, brushing twice a day for two minutes each time is vital to prevent plaque build-up which hardens into tartar. Using an app or timer is a great way to ensure you’re cleaning for the correct amount of time – or brush for the duration of your favourite two-minute song!
2. Always floss first
   Flossing removes trapped food from between the teeth. It’s more efficient to floss first to remove debris before applying your toothbrush. You can also use various sizes of interdental brush to dislodge food and plaque, particularly helpful if you have crooked or crowded teeth.
3. Brush the whole tooth
   It may sound obvious, but many people only brush the front surface of the tooth. It’s vital to brush the whole surface: front, back and biting surface. Hold your toothbrush at different angles and brush in a circular motion rather than just up and down. Always brush where the tooth joins the gum line too. Some apps for electric toothbrushes will monitor your cleaning technique and highlight areas you are missing.
4. Avoid brushing immediately after eating
   Some foods and drinks (e.g., sugary foods and orange juice) render the tooth enamel vulnerable. If you brush immediately after eating, you risk removing the protective enamel that covers each tooth — increasing the chances of cavities and sensitivity. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to wait for an hour after eating before brushing — as this allows the enamel time to reharden. For those who want to freshen their breath after eating food, sugarless chewing gem is a good alternative.
5. Avoid brushing too aggressively
   It might be tempting to brush vigorously so your mouth feels as clean as possible, however, overly aggressive action can damage the protective enamel, cause sensitivity and lead to receding gums.
6. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
   If you are prone to aggressive brushing and use a medium- or hard-bristled toothbrush, consider switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Dentists recommend everyone use a soft-bristled brush for the most efficient clean — as the bristles can bend and reach into small crevices and the gumline. Toothbrushes with a small round head are more effective at reaching the far corners of the mouth, especially for those with manual dexterity problems.
7. Replace your toothbrush regularly
   You should replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months, when it looks worn or discoloured, and after an infectious illness (to avoid reinfection). An overused toothbrush with splayed bristles will be less effective for removing plaque from the whole surface of your tooth. Keep your toothbrush out in the open to dry properly in between uses — and never share your toothbrush with someone else.
8. Use the most appropriate toothpaste
   Your dentist can advise on the best toothpaste for your needs. There are toothpastes for cavity prevention, enamel restoration and reducing sensitivity, as well as those with whitening properties.
9. Brush your tongue
   Using your toothbrush on your tongue or using a tongue scraper will remove the bacterial biofilm and trapped food particles from the crevices in your tongue. Gently brush or scrape your tongue from back to front before cleaning your teeth. This will help bad breath as well as reduce the harmful bacteria that could damage your teeth.
10. Use mouthwash
    Mouthwash can rinse out trapped particles, but it’s important to use it before, rather than after brushing. Otherwise, it can prevent the protective qualities of the toothpaste from working.

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Sources:

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/this-is-what-happens-when-you-dont-brush-your-teeth

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/how-to-brush-your-teeth-properly

https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/tooth-brushing-before-or-after-breakfast/

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/brushing-teeth-mistakes

Improper brushing can result in plaque build-up which at the very least causes bad breath — and at the very worst, leads to tooth decay, pain and potential tooth loss.