What is your brushing style? Is it the best? According to dentists, here are a few pointers that will keep that mouth feeling fresh and those gorgeous teeth sparkling.

  • The Right Brush

Find a brush that fits comfortably in your mouth. It shouldn’t be too small or too big. Check the bristles on a brush when buying them. Opt for the soft ones as hard bristles will hurt your gums and make them bleed.

  • Time It

How many times a day do you brush? If you are brushing any less than three times a day for two minutes each, you are falling short of the ideal brushing time. Mentally split your mouth into four sections and spend 30 seconds on each.

  • Go Easy

Be careful not to get carried away with brushing. Brushing more than three times a day or brushing hard can cause tooth enamel to wear down and damage gums. Treat your mouth with care.

  • Yummy Toothpaste

It is important to pick the right toothpaste. Toothpastes that have extra whitening, tarter control or particles in them tend to be pretty harsh on the teeth and sand away the tooth structure. It is best to stick with the good old fluoride toothpastes as these do the job well.

  • Be Aware

Our daily routines tend to have us on autopilot. How often do we think about the way we brush? Be conscious of what you are doing and try to start brushing at a different place in your mouth every day so as to give all sections of your mouth a good clean.

  • All About Technique

Nobody wants little bits of plaque growing inside their mouth. Best brushing technique is at a forty five degree angle to the teeth. Move up and down using short strokes. Brush outside and inside the teeth. Dare to go into all the hard to reach areas of your mouth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue.

  • Know Your Drinks

Many beverages, sodas, energy drinks, coffee, and even apple juice have acids that can wear down the enamel of the tooth. Allow your saliva thirty minutes to rebuild tooth enamel before brushing after consuming any acidic foods.

So, think you have been brushing right all this time? Is it time to adapt? Try a few of these tips, look into the mirror and check out that smile!

by DR RAGINI PARMAR