Brushing the teeth is not as simple as it sounds. If you do not brush your teeth properly, your mouth can become a safe haven for bacteria directly affecting oral health. Here are some guidelines for brushing the right way.

• Choose a toothbrush that has soft bristles. This will ensure that you do not harm your gums and teeth while brushing.

• Pick a toothbrush that has a small head. This will help you reach all the places in your teeth.
• Change your toothbrush every three months. Change it earlier if the bristles appear tattered.
• Use fluoride-based toothpaste if the water you drink does not contain fluoride.
• Brush your teeth for at least 2-3 minutes. Play your favorite song while you brush.
• Do not brush immediately after meals. Leave a gap of about an hour after your meal before you pick up the toothbrush.
• Hold your toothbrush at 45 degrees angle from your teeth surface.
• Brush the front teeth with upward and downward motions.
• Apply short strokes to brush your teeth. At one time, brush only one tooth; keep the stroke aligned to one tooth at a time.
• Brush both sides of your front and side teeth.
• Brush the front, back, and top of the molars.
• Be gentle when brushing; do not be too harsh on the teeth.
• Gently brush along the gum line to prevent any plaque formation there.
• Floss the places that the toothbrush cannot reach like the gaps between your teeth.

Visit your dentist immediately if you haven’t visited him/her in the last six months. Find out if you are suffering from a dental problem. Ask him/her to recommend you the right toothpaste if you have sensitive teeth.

Happy smiling!

Tags: Brushing, brushing guidelines, how to brush the right way