Originally posted on https://apollonia-dental.com/are-you-brushing-properly-5-helpful-toothbrushing-tips

Since you were a kid, you’ve been told that brushing your teeth twice a day is the best way to prevent cavities and keep your smile bright. And you’ve done your best to do just that.

But sometimes, even the best intentions are not enough to keep tooth decay from becoming a problem. In fact, more than 91 percent of adults currently have tooth decay. And many don’t even know it yet!

Making sure your toothbrushing technique is up to par will help you reduce your risk of cavities and tooth decay.

Ready to take control over your brushing habits? Here are a few tips to help.

1. Use the Right Brush

At a bare minimum, you want to select a toothbrush that has the American Dental Association seal of approval. But you’ll also need to pay attention to bristle stiffness and head size.

Choose a toothbrush that matches your mouth size. If you have a large mouth, pick a large brush. If you have a small mouth, look for brushes with smaller heads.

Make sure the bristles are soft to keep your gums healthy and happy.

2. Brush at the Right Time

Brushing your teeth twice a day is standard, but you need to get the timing right.

Wait at least 15 minutes after you eat before starting your brushing routine. This gives your saliva a chance to flush out any remaining acid, sugar, and food particles that could otherwise damage your enamel.

3. Follow the Two-Minute Rule

When you’re in a hurry, it’s tempting to brush your teeth just enough to get rid of morning breath. But that’s not enough to get rid of the bacteria that builds up overnight.

Take the time to brush your teeth for two minutes in the morning and two minutes at night. If you’re struggling to keep track of the time, set a timer on your phone or grab a kitchen timer and set it for two minutes when you’re ready to brush.

It may take time to form good dental hygiene habits, but once you do, you’ll be thankful for those two minutes.

4. Invest in a Good Toothpaste

Water may be fine for rinsing your mouth, but you’ll need a good fluoride toothpaste to keep the cavities away. If you’ve been using a fluoride-free toothpaste, switch to one recommended by your dentist. If not, ask their opinion during your next dental exam.

5. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly

Your toothbrushing is only effective if your toothbrush is in good condition. Over time, the bristles will start to wear down and splay, making it impossible for them to get into the space between your teeth.

Replace your toothbrush every three or four months. This way, the bristles will always be able to scrub away the tartar thoroughly.

Make Toothbrushing a Priority

A good toothbrushing routine is key in keeping cavities and tooth decay from becoming a problem. But it’s not the only thing you need to do.

Schedule a dental checkup today and have your teeth cleaned thoroughly. This will make your brushing more effective and helps keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthier for years to come.