Great Brushing

We’d all like a medal for the brushing that we choose to do even as we may end up with cavities at our twice-annual dental appointments. It can be a hassle to squeeze it in while you’re trying to get the kids to school and make it to work on time. There are timeless questions for how to fuse it into your routines: Should it be before or after orange juice? Should I prioritize bacteria removal or bad breath? We’ll try and demystify some of the details to help you achieve better outcomes at the dentist. First off we need to talk about how long you’re keeping your toothbrush. You know how a lot of people lie about how often they floss? A lot of folks also lie about how often they replace their toothbrush. You’d be amazed at how many people use the same one for all six months between their dental checkups. You really should replace your toothbrush every three months if you want it to effectively clean your teeth. When the bristles become frayed it is time for a new one! Have you ever noticed that the toothbrush that your dentist gives you is always a soft one? Do you know why? Because that’s the kind you should use. If the bristles are too stiff then you run the risk of causing damage to your gums. If you’re brushing after a sugary snack (which you should wait a little while to do) then stiffer bristles may damage your enamel while the acids and bacteria are attacking. Always use a soft brush unless your dentist tells you something else. Where are you keeping your toothbrush? Is it too close to the toilet? Do you keep it covered? You should use a hanging holder at least six feet away from your toilet to store your toothbrush. Don’t cover it- that just causes other bacteria to grow which is the opposite of our goal. Also, take a few seconds and rinse your toothbrush with hot water when you’re done brushing to clear out any residual toothpaste or food particles. We hope you’re flossing too, that’s one of the best ways to maximize your dental health routines. Your dentist may be able to recommend a good mouthwash as well. Remember, the non-alcoholic ones will generally give better outcomes for bad breath. Do you need to find the best dentist in your area? Take a look here: https://www.dentaloptimizer.com/best-dentist-finder/