AN IMPORTANT PART of keeping your teeth and gums healthy is your toothbrush. That might seem so obvious that it’s not worth saying, but you’d be surprised how many basic mistakes people make when it comes to their toothbrushes. As your South San Francisco dentist, we want to make sure our patients will get the most out of their best teeth-cleaning tools! Take our quiz, below to find out if you're a brushing master or just a noob.
1. How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?
a) Whenever it looks old
b) Every year
c) Every 4 months
Correct Answer: Look at your toothbrush. Are the bristles frayed or bent? Are some missing? You might be well overdue for a replacement toothbrush. The American Dental Association recommends that we replace our toothbrushes at least three times a year or every 4 months, because old, worn-out bristles can’t do a very effective job of cleaning teeth.
2. How Long Should You Be Brushing For?
a) 30 seconds
b) 2 minutes
c) 5 minutes
Correct answer: As often as dentists everywhere remind patients to brush for two full minutes, the average is only about 45 seconds. This simply isn’t long enough to get the full cleaning effect. The repeated motions are what clear plaque and food particles away, and we shouldn’t be skimping on that. We encourage our patients to help move that average closer to the recommended two minutes! Playing a song or setting a timer are great ways to keep track of the time.
3. How Hard Should You Brush?
a) Firm
b) The harder the better
c) Gently
Correct Answer: When we’re cleaning grout out of the tiles in the kitchen, it often requires a little elbow grease. We understand how some people might get the idea that it’s the same with teeth and gums, but that’s simply not true. Brushing hard or using a firm-bristled brush can actually result in gum recession over time. We recommend soft bristles and a gentle hand. Brushing harder does not mean brushing better!
4. How Long Should You Wait to Brush After Eating
a) Immediately
b) Wait 30 minutes
c) Two Hours
Correct Answer: One of the most common mistakes people make with brushing is to do so immediately after a meal. This isn’t a great idea, because the acids in our food and drink temporarily weaken our tooth enamel. If we brush then, we can accidentally cause enamel erosion. That’s why waiting at least half an hour to brush is a good idea; it gives our saliva enough time to neutralize the acid and begin the remineralization process.
5. Toothbrush Covers Are a Good Way to Keep My Brush Clean
a) True
b) False
Correct Answer: If your toothbrush carries a funky smell, it could be because you aren’t giving it a chance to fully dry between uses. To keep a toothbrush fresh and devoid of moisture-loving bacteria, we should always store our toothbrushes upright and give them enough air flow to dry out. No more toothbrush covers! (And also keep them as far from the toilet as possible.)
6. At What Angle Should You Hold Your Brush to Your Gums?
a) Perpendicular
b) 45 degrees
c) Parallel
Correct Answer: Even brushing twice a day for the full two minutes with a soft-bristled brush that you store correctly won’t be able to fully offset poor brushing technique. Keep in mind that the goal is to get plaque and food particles out of the gumline. Hold the brush at a 45° angle to your gums and gently sweep it in circular motions. Get each area of the mouth at least fifteen times, both on the outside and the tongue side, as well as the chewing surfaces.
How Did You Score?
Were you surprised by some of the new things you learned? Or did you get a perfect score? Don't worry if you didn't. We all some times need a refresher. If you’d like any more tips about how to get the most out of your toothbrush, whether you’re looking for technique pointers or recommendations on the best toothbrush for you, we’re happy to help. And don’t forget to floss each day too!
If it's been more than six months since your last check-up and cleaning or if you have any oral health concerns, schedule your next visit today. Call or text us at (650) 871-1400 or schedule your appointment online.
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