Brushing your teeth is your first line of defense in preventing cavities and other oral diseases. Failure to brush your teeth can lead to gum disease, excess plaque buildup and rotting of the teeth. Brushing is necessary to keep the teeth in between visits to the dentist and to ensure that you keep your teeth healthy. There is a misconception that you cannot brush your teeth wrong, but there are methods that have been developed that are less rough on your teeth and gums. Here is a step-by-step guide to teach you how to brush your teeth properly.

1 – First make sure that you have a toothbrush that is brand new out of the package or has firm bristles. A toothbrush will begin to wear down as you use it and the bristles will begin to fray. When you see signs of wear it is important to make sure that you replace the old toothbrush with a new one to ensure that your brushing is most effective. Brushing with a frayed toothbrush can aggravate your gums and has to the potential to make the gums bleed when you use it.

2 – Apply a line of toothpaste to the brush and then insert it into the mouth starting at the back of the mouth. Start brushing in a circular motion following the contours of each and every tooth while you move. Make sure that you brush from the back of the mouth and make your way to the front. Repeat the process on the other side of the mouth starting at the back and moving towards the front as you brush.

3 – When you have made your way through all of your teeth, you should take the time to gently brush along the gum lines. This will help to remove the contaminants that collect along the gum line and prevent them from sliding in underneath the gum lines.

4 – To complete the job, take an antiseptic mouthwash and rinse it around the inside of the mouth. Then, take the mouthwash to the back of your throat and gargle with it for about ten to fifteen seconds before spitting it out.

Brushing is not meant to replace going to the dentist for a regular cleaning and check-up. A dentist (like those at Pike Dentistry) is the only one professionally trained that can examine for the teeth for oral diseases and can use his specialized tools to get the food that hides in behind the gum lines or cracks of the teeth.