When is the best time to brush your teeth? What should I look for when picking a toothbrush?
We’ve got the answers:
- Choosing the Wrong Toothbrush
When picking a toothbrush, dentists recommend that you get a toothbrush that has softer bristles and that is a size that properly fits in the patient’s mouth. Soft bristles on a toothbrush are necessary because the bristles must be soft enough to maneuver around a person’s mouth, and get under the gums, in order to remove all the plaque buildup. While dentists say that either manual and electric toothbrushes are acceptable, they do recommend making sure that the head of the toothbrush is an appropriate size – meaning that it can comfortably fit in your mouth and reach the teeth in the far back of the mouth. Dentists also recommend using a toothbrush that has been approved by the American Dental Association.
- Brushing Too Hard
Dentists agree that many patients are brushing their teeth too hard. A toothbrush aims to remove plaque, which is soft and loose, therefore people do not need to use a hard-bristle brush and go to town on their teeth. To be more effective at getting rid of plague (and lower the chance of harming your teeth’s enamel), you should gently brush your teeth.
- Not Brushing Enough or Brushing at the Wrong Times
The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste. However, just as important as brushing your teeth, is when your brush your teeth. Specifically, people should avoid brushing their teeth within 15 or 20 minutes of eating or drinking something acidic. This is because acid weaken the tooth enamel, so when a person brushes their teeth immediately after eating or drinking something acidic then they are likely brushing off their teeth’s enamel.
