When people think of good oral habits, they often think about brushing their teeth. Since early childhood, this simple habit of cleaning teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste has been ingrained in most of our lives. At Miller Family Dentistry, we applaud everyone who takes the time to brush their teeth! It's a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. When you come to our Nashville, Tennessee, dental office for a checkup, we'll keep encouraging you in your daily brushing habits.
Proper Brushing Techniques
Ever wonder if you are brushing your teeth correctly? The best way to brush your teeth with a manual toothbrush is to gently press down on your teeth, brushing with an up-and-down motion for about two minutes. Do not scrub your teeth. Rotate your brush to reach all the surfaces of your teeth. If you use a battery-operated toothbrush, angle the brush head toward your gum tissue, and remember that you only have to press down lightly.
The Impact of Good Dental Health on Your Overall Health
Your dental health and your overall health are intricately connected. If there is a lot of bacteria in your mouth, it can spread into your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body. If you have gum disease, you are at a greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, certain types of cancer, and other serious conditions. Even if you only have bad breath and yellow teeth, the negative impact of that can affect your self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Taking good care of your teeth by brushing regularly is more important than you may realize!
The Importance of Visiting the Dentist
Going to the dentist for routine cleanings and exams is a major aspect of your dental care. When you keep up with your regular dental appointments, you benefit in the following ways:
- Professional evaluation of your dental health
- Encouragement and education of proper home care
- Early detection of dental problems
- Help in restoring healthy tissues
Have you been avoiding the dentist? The best thing to do is jump right back in by scheduling a dental checkup at Miller Family Dentistry! We are non-judgmental, and we do everything we can to make you more comfortable.
The Impact of Regular Brushing on Your Oral Health
It is recommended you brush your teeth twice daily, morning and night. Using toothpaste that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay. Brushing your teeth regularly keeps gums healthy and prevents decay. Bacteria from food and drink build up on your teeth over time, forming a sticky coating called plaque. When plaque is left to harden, it becomes tartar, which is hard to remove. When you brush your teeth, the combined effects of toothpaste and the motions of your toothbrush remove the bacteria, protecting your teeth and gums.
Four Steps to Brushing Your Teeth
If you're the type who likes to have everything broken down into easy-to-follow steps, here are the steps for an excellent tooth-brushing experience!
- Brush your teeth using up and down motions.
- Spend at least two minutes properly brushing all surfaces of your teeth.
- Use good toothpaste with fluoride in it.
- Brush every surface of the teeth and stimulate your gum tissues.
Learn More About Proper Brushing Techniques at Your Next Checkup
Brushing your teeth properly leads to better oral health and better overall health. If it's time for your next dental checkup, and you live in the Nashville, Tennessee, area, we encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team takes the time to educate and encourage each patient on proper dental home care.