The Do’s and Don’t’s of Toothbrushing

Tooth brushing is one of the most important oral hygiene habits you can form. But it's easy to get into bad habits, so here's a list of do’s and don’ts to help you make sure that your toothbrush is cleaning your teeth effectively while protecting them from damage.

Do:

Choose the Right Brush - It's important to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles since hard and medium bristles can be too tough on teeth and gums. You may also want to look into electric toothbrushes since they have built-in timers and pressure sensors that ensure an even brush

Use Fluoride Toothpaste - Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and reduce cavities so it’s important to look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride when selecting dental supplies.

Replace Your Toothbrush - The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends changing out your toothbrush or electric brush head every three months or sooner if it starts looking frayed or worn down.

Don’t:

Brush Too Hard - Brushing too hard can cause gum recession, which is when the gums pull away from teeth causing them to become exposed and vulnerable to decay, infection, sensitivity, or even potentially fall out! Use gentle circular motions on your teeth instead for best results.

Gargle With Your Toothbrush - Lots of people mistakenly believe gargling with their toothbrush will give them cleaner-feeling mouths but there is no scientific evidence that supports this theory! Gargling actually causes more harm as it increases plaque buildup over time as well as giving you an increased chance of developing gum disease.

Avoid Daily Flossing - Flossing helps remove cavity-causing plaque between teeth where regular brushing can't reach– so don’t go more than 24 hours without flossing at least once! Make sure to use clean floss each time you floss and replace it every few days since bacteria builds up on unwashed floss quickly.

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