Three Techniques to Improve Your Brushing

Brushing at least twice daily is an excellent way to protect against tooth decay and preserve your overall health. At Beckham Square Family Dental, we’re happy to help young and not-so-young patients work on their tooth-brushing. Here are three tips for improving your brushing technique.

1. Move the Brush in a Circle

The back-and-forth motion many of us learned as kids is not the best way. A circular or elliptical motion is better for reaching the small gaps and crevices between teeth. Your circular motion should hit only a few teeth at a time.

Moving in a circle also has benefits for your gums. In contrast, the back-and-forth can make your gums recede and can cause the surface of your tooth’s root to become exposed.

2. Brush at a 45-Degree Angle

Holding your brush at 45 degrees—instead of a straight 90 degrees—helps you reach all sides of each tooth and below the gums. The inside, the outside, and the chewing surface will all feel the brush, and that angle helps the bristles disperse and move across the teeth in all directions.

The 45-degree angle may take some getting used to, but re-training yourself to use at that angle will be worth it in the long run. Soon, it will just be muscle memory for you.

3. Brush Your Tongue

As do your teeth, our tongue has bacteria on it, and these bacteria can make your breath go sour. If you brush your tongue along with your teeth, you can eliminate a lot of this bacterial build-up. People talking with you throughout the day will also appreciate the fresher breath.

Oral Hygiene Support for Families in the Tri-State Area

At Beckham Square Family Dental, our passion is helping individuals and families build healthy dental habits. We are proud to help our Cincinnati patients and families get the most out of their dental care and oral hygiene routines. For your next check-up, complete our online contact form or call us at 513.489.7800 today.