Proper Tooth Brushing Techniques to Get the Most Out Of Your Smile

Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo and his Homer Glen, IL team emphasize preventive dentistry to care for patients before dental concerns arise, and a great preventive dentistry plan starts before patients ever get to our office. At-home hygiene can transform smiles, but many patients don’t dedicate the time or attention necessary to effectively clean their teeth. Our skilled dental hygienists work to create at-home care plans to maximize tooth brushing for each unique smile, but there are some brushing basics that can help patients achieve and maintain a healthy smile. Call to find out more about preventive dentistry from Dr. DeAngelo and his Homer Glen, IL team.

Tooth Brushing 101

No matter how thoroughly you brush, there are a few basics to keep in mind to make the most of your at-home oral hygiene routine:

Time – Set aside two minutes, twice a day to brush your teeth. Ensure you have reached the full two minutes by using a timer, brushing for the duration of a song, or during a full commercial break. Always wait 30 minutes after brushing before eating or drinking to allow the fluoride to be absorbed by your enamel.

Sanitation – Working hard to keep your teeth clean won’t be 100% effective, if you don’t make sure to keep your toothbrush clean. Always store your brush upright and uncovered. This allows moisture to dry avoiding fungal and bacterial growth. For an added level of clean, soak the head of your toothbrush in an antimicrobial mouth rinse for 10 minutes once a week.

The right tools – Choose a brush that has soft bristles and can reach every tooth. Replace your toothbrush every three months, or when indicated by bristle wear. Electric toothbrush heads should be replaced four times a year as well.

Advanced Tooth Brushing Techniques

If you’re brushing with the right, clean toothbrush, twice a day for two minutes, you’re already doing a great job at protecting and enhancing your oral health. For optimal at-home care, you should also consider making some changes to the way you brush. The Bass method is a simple tooth brushing method that may help you make the most of your oral health investment. The Bass method is performed as follows:

• Place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle along the gum line
• Keeping the bristles in place, wiggle the toothbrush back and forth for 10 seconds (think of mimicking the motion of an electric toothbrush)
• Repeat these two steps for the outside and inside of each top and bottom tooth
• To clean the biting surface, place bristles flat against the tops of teeth
• Keep bristles stationary while wiggling toothbrush for 10 seconds
• Repeat for each top and bottom tooth

While this method may not seem much different than your current tooth brushing style, the Bass method helps loosen and remove plaque from below the gum line and between teeth better than many brushing methods.Call the Dentist Homer Glen, IL Prefers – Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo

If it’s time for your dental checkup or you would like to learn more about at-home dental hygiene, call Dr. DeAngelo and his dedicated Homer Glen, IL team.