How to get a gleaming smile – every day

How to get a gleaming smile – every day

March 5, 2020 9:30 am Published by

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do to have a beautiful gleaming smile. Using a toothbrush and paste does many useful things: it clears your mouth of pesky bacteria and plaque, it helps rebuild your teeth with the minerals it needs, and protects them against further damage. So, it’s really important to get it right, from tools through to technique.

You might be thinking – what’s the big deal? Toothbrushingis very simple, and most of us have been doing it for as long as we can remember! While that’s true, there’s a few tips and tricks that can help make sure you’re getting the most out of your daily care routine.

      • Getting the right toothbrush

A good toothbrush should have soft bristles. You’ll probably know if you are a super hard brusher, because you likely suffer from sore and inflamed gums. If you are in doubt, it’s better to go for ‘soft’ rather than ‘medium’ when shopping in the supermarket or pharmacy. For kids, make sure you choose a special kids’-size toothbrush. This will have a smaller head and handle, so all the teeth can be easily reached. For grown-ups, it’s still important to select the shape of a toothbrush carefully. Your toothbrush doesn’t need to cost a lot, but make sure the head can clean all teeth and all surfaces – even the hard-to-reach ones at the back.

        • Technique

First of all, hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your teeth and gums. Move the brush in circles over the teeth, one at a time. Brush all over, including the inside, the outside, and the edges. Try to make sure you brush every tooth – don’t get distracted and leave any out. You might also try putting a timer on your phone if you struggle to brush for a full two to three minutes. Don’t brush too hard, otherwise you’ll damage your teeth – it should be a firm stroke.A dentist like Drs. Nicolas & Asp can help if you are unsure. If you suffer from bad breath, then brushing your tongue can help remove the problem-causing bacteria – yukky but true!

          • When to brush

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and the evening. In the mornings, try not to brush straight after having something acidic like orange juice – outer tooth enamel will be softened, so you are literally brushing your teeth away. Instead, drink a glass of water before brushing. This helps top up your bacteria-busting saliva levels too. At night time, brush after you’ve finished eating and drinking, otherwise the food and drink in your mouth will start to undo all your good work. Keep your toothbrush upright and in a dry container, so the bristles air-dry. This is the best way to stop germs growing on the brush.

            • When to replace

You should change your toothbrush every three to four months. Any longer, and your brush is likely to be harbouring more germs than is good for your health. It can be hard to stick to a strict timeline, so just look out for when your brush starts to look a little worn – the bristles will probably start to splay out. At this point it’s time for a refresh.

              • Electric or manual?

If you are a sloppy brusher then an electric brush is a godsend. And, even if you think your technique is spot-on, an electric brush can help give a better clean. This is particularly true if you’re a heavy brusher, or if you’re a little older and struggle to hold a brush properly. Letting the brush do all the work means that gums are less likely to be inflamed, and it’s easier to brush for the full duration. Electric brushes can cost a lot, but view it as an investment for your health. After all, you wouldn’t hesitate to make an important investment for your home or your car!

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