How to Correctly Brush Your Teeth

?Remember back to the early days of the pandemic when we all had to relearn the correct way to wash our hands? Many people admitted to not ever knowing the how to clean their hands the right way. So, while you probably think you know the correct way to brush your teeth, a little refresher never hurt anyone. Follow these steps to correctly brush your teeth:

Choose the right toothbrush. A small-headed toothbrush will allow you to reach into the nooks and crannies of your mouth for a thorough clean. A soft bristle toothbrush will prevent overbrushing and protect your teeth and gums. Be sure you can hold the toothbrush comfortably with between your fingers (not in your fist).
Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. That’s all that’s needed to clean your teeth! Since toothpaste is an abrasive, using more than necessary can wear down the enamel on your teeth. If you have children, they should only use half the amount of toothpaste as adults.
Brush with proper technique. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree upward angle towards the gums. Move the toothbrush back and forth in short strokes or in circular motions. Keep in mind there is no need to apply pressure when brushing your teeth; that can harm them.
Break your mouth up into sections. You should begin by brushing the outside of your top teeth, moving from one side to the other. Then move down to brush the outside of the bottom teeth. From there, go brush the inside of the top teeth and then brush the inside of the bottom teeth. Finally, hold the toothbrush flat and brush the tops of your molars.
Don’t forget the tongue! Before you put away your toothbrush give your tongue a brush. This will help to scrub away bacteria that can lead to bad breath.

Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Mouthwash is also recommended to remove bacteria from the mouth.

In addition to brushing each day, regular dental cleanings and exams are necessary to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.