Proper Brushing Techniques Salem OR

Oral health advice by Oak Park Dental, Dentist in Salem, OR

It should go without saying that to maintain a healthy smile you have to brush your teeth. Most of us have been brushing our teeth the same way since we were small children, and so it may surprise you to know that many of us are doing it wrong.

The Basics of Brushing

1.	Choose a soft-bristled, average size toothbrush. If your toothbrush is too large, you are likely to miss hard to reach areas in the mouth, and if the bristles are too hard then it could damage your gums or the enamel on your teeth.
2.	Tilt your brush to a 45-degree angle to the gum line. The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends starting at a different tooth every time you brush to ensure that the attention you give your teeth is balanced.
3.	Be gentle and use short, circular strokes. Studies show that motorized toothbrushes are more effective than regular toothbrushes because of their automated circular movements. Make sure to be gentle so as not to damage the enamel of your teeth.
4.	Brush from top to bottom.
5.	Wait thirty minutes after eating. Right after you eat the acidity levels of your mouth are quite intense. During this period of acidity, your enamel is vulnerable and can be easily damaged by your toothbrush.
6.	Do not forget to brush the inner chewing surfaces.
7.	Make sure to clean your tongue. Use a tongue scraper or even your toothbrush to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
8.	Brush twice a day for two minutes at a time. The ADA recommends only brushing two times a day. If you try to do more than that you could be damaging your enamel. You may want to start using a stopwatch. Studies show that the average individual does not brush their teeth long enough.
9.	Replace your toothbrush every three months. The accepted expiration date on a toothbrush is three months or 200 uses. Why? Because this is usually when the bristles of your brush become frayed and lose their shape. When this happens, the brush is not as effective as it needs to be.
10.	Make sure to floss. If you do not floss, you are missing 40 percent your teeths surface area.
11.	Be sure to use fluoride. It is important to use fluoride, which repairs and remineralizes your teeth.
12.	Rinse with mouthwash. Rinsing with water can wash away the fluoride and hinder the remineralization process.
13.	Remember to sterilize your toothbrush. Did you know that it is estimated that 50 percent of toothbrushes have fecal molecules?

Help Us Help You

It is important to have healthy teeth, not just for cosmetic reasons, but also for your overall health. Having good oral health helps you live longer and improves the quality of your life. However, brushing and flossing your teeth is not enough. You also need to make a regular dental appointment and make time for professional cleaning. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove plaque that has hardened into tartar.

Call us today at (971) 600-0211 to schedule your appointment!

Serving Salem Keizer Community since 1987

We provide dental services for the entire family from children to older adults. Our entire team of caring Doctors, hygienists and support staff pride ourselves on a high level of patient care.

Using the latest in modern dental technology our services range from sealants to complex implant surgery. Our goal is a comfortable experience for our patients with beautiful results.

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(971) 600-0211

Located in the heart of the beautiful Willamette Valley.

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3380 Astoria Way NE
Salem, OR 97305-2054

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(971) 600-0211

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Dentist Salem OR • How to Properly Brush Your Teeth
Learn proper brushing techniques to help maintain a healthy smile and teeth. Along with brushing, regular dental appointments and professional teeth cleanings is important. Call your Salem dentist to schedule an appointment today.
Oak Park Dental, 3380 Astoria Way NE, Salem, OR 97305 : (971) 600-0211 : salemsmiles.com : 1/4/2025 : Associated Words: dentist Salem OR :