When working to maintain a healthy lifestyle, don't overlook the importance of keeping your teeth and gums clean to avoid cavities. You should brush your teeth a minimum of two times a day. Don't forget to clean your gums and tongue to kill lurking bacteria. A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic discovered that poor dental health increases your risk of other health problems, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Knowing how to properly brush your teeth keeps them looking and feeling healthy
A study by the Cochrane Oral Health Group suggests that when used properly,
electric toothbrushes with rotating heads may be more effective than manual toothbrushes at removing plaque and preventing gingivitis. No matter what type of toothbrush you use, the key to proper dental care is thorough brushing. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes. However, Prof. Paul J. Vankevich of the Tufts School of Dental Medicine reports that most Americans brush their teeth for only 45 to 70 seconds.
Using an electric toothbrush is an effective way to help maintain healthy teeth and gums in between dental visits. The vibrating action of an electric toothbrush can be more helpful in removing plaque than a manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are available that vary in size, durability and cost. Contact your dental professional to help you choose an electric toothbrush to fit your dental needs.
Turn on the brush. Move it slowly over your teeth and gums, taking care to brush along the gum line and between the teeth. Don’t force the bristles against your teeth or use a scrubbing motion; instead, rock the brush gently against each tooth for a few seconds
Spend 30 to 45 seconds brushing each quadrant of your mouth: upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left. Start with the cheek side, proceed to the tongue side and finish with the chewing surfaces. Pay particular attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as behind your back teeth. Brush the inner surfaces of your front teeth by holding the brush upright and stroking your teeth and gum line vertically with the tip.
You can use your electric toothbrush, on or off, to clean your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Replace your bristle head as indicated in the user manual to ensure maximum cleaning each time. As electric toothbrushes can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, check your user manual for specific user instructions and maintenance.
