Brushing your teeth regularly does not only enhance oral health but also keeps the whole body healthy. Moreover, brushing your teeth prevents plaque from building up, inhibiting bacterial action on your teeth and gums.

Although brushing seems simple, you may sometimes make mistakes in the process. Perhaps you don’t brush for the recommended duration or have not replaced your toothbrush for long. For some, it may be a failure to access the hidden spots deep inside the mouth when brushing.

 Read on for a simple guide to brushing your teeth correctly and maintaining perfect oral health.

How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?

According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least twice every day for a minimum of two minutes. The easiest way to give your teeth the much-needed attention is to set a timer or stopwatch before you begin brushing your teeth.

What Type of Toothbrush Should You Use?

 A soft-bristled toothbrush is the most ideal for brushing your teeth. Whether you opt for a manual or electric type, ensure it guarantees efficiency and safety. In addition, your toothbrush should be the right size to fit into the mouth and allow easy access to all parts of the mouth.

Remember to replace your toothbrush if;

• You’ve used it for more than three months.
• You’ve recently had a cold.
• The bristles appear frayed or worn out.

What Type of Toothpaste Should You Use?

Different types of toothpastes are available for fighting cavities, reducing sensitivity, or simply whitening the teeth. It all depends on your unique dental needs. 

Regardless of your choice, ensure you use fluoride-based, ADA-approved toothpaste. If you’re unsure what type of toothpaste to use, consult a dentist or dental hygiene expert.

What’s the Correct Technique to Brush Your Teeth?

The following steps come in handy when brushing your teeth:

1. Begin with the Outer Tooth Surfaces

Brush the outer surfaces first before you move to the inner tooth surfaces. Gently brush tooth by tooth, so you don’t bypass any essential spots.

2. Incline Your Toothbrush at 45 Degrees

An effective approach to brushing your teeth is to incline your toothbrush at 45 degrees to the gums. That way, you’ll clear all trapped food particles and plaque from the teeth. As you tilt the toothbrush, gently move it back and forth using short strokes.

3. Clean the Inner Tooth Surfaces

It is easier to overlook the inner surfaces of your teeth since they aren’t easily visible. A good way to reach the inner surfaces is to tilt the toothbrush at 45 degrees as you clean back and forth like the outer surfaces.

4. Brush the Chewing Surfaces and Hidden Areas

Don’t forget to brush the top surfaces where food is easily trapped. In addition, remember to clean the crowns, fillings, and other hard-to-reach spots on your teeth.

5. Brush the Tongue

Brushing your tongue removes odor-causing bacteria and gives you a fresh breath. Therefore, brush your tongue and rinse the remaining toothpaste using clean water. You could also use a mouthwash to floss your teeth and tongue after brushing.

Tooth decay, cavities, and pain can severely affect oral health. That’s why proper brushing techniques come in handy to keep complications at bay. With the correct brushing techniques and regular dental checkups, you can always achieve a happy and healthy smile.