Your hygiene routine is only as effective as the tools you use (and the time and attention you put into it). Though relatively simple in design, your toothbrush is one of the most important tools in your hygiene arsenal, along with your floss. Without proper care and use, though, your toothbrush won’t do much good against the food and bacteria that accumulate on your teeth every day.
The Right Toothbrush
For best results, the American Dental Association (ADA) suggests brushing your teeth at least twice every day and flossing at least once, preferably before going to bed. While brushing, take care to clean your teeth thoroughly, yet gently enough not to scratch your tooth enamel.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with the ADA seal of approval. Rougher bristles, like those advertised as natural or animal-hair bristles, can scrape the protective layer of enamel around your teeth.
- Some bristles are angled, while others are straight up and down. The angles are more about technique than effectiveness; pay attention to the angle of your toothbrush’s bristles and position the brush to your teeth’s surfaces evenly.
- The ADA also suggests that each teeth brushing session should last at least 2-3 minutes, allowing enough time to clean the bacterial plaque from every surface of every tooth. Brush your teeth to a catchy song to help you stay focused for the duration.
- Change your toothbrush at least once every three months, or as soon as the bristles become frayed. Also, change brushes after recovering from a cold, flu, or other illness to avoid becoming sick again.
When You’re Not Brushing
- When you’re not brushing your teeth, store it on the side of your sink farthest from the toilet to avoid cross-contamination. If you store it in a toothbrush container, be sure not to seal the toothbrush inside of it with wet bristles. The moisture can facilitate the growth of bacteria and fungus.
- The bacteria that make up plaque do the most damage when they feed on your meals and beverages. Limit snacking throughout the day, and brush after eating, whenever possible.
About Downey Family & Cosmetic Dentistry:
Dr. Hadis Reyhani, Dr. Ben Reyhani, and Dr. Pasha Hakimzadeh, DDS, provide a wealth of combined experience, along with innovative technology and personalized care, to help improve our patients’ dental health so they can enjoy smiling again. To schedule a consultation, call Downey Family Cosmetic Dentistry today at (562) 472-2433.
