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Friday, October 6, 2017

PROPER BRUSHING FAQs

Mouth open or mouth closed? After lunch or after dinner? Flat or at an angle? We've been brushing our teeth just about every day (hopefully) since our teeth came in.  Who knew it was so complicated?   

Fact is, there are actually some best practices to be mindful of when brushing those pearly whites. In our world of alternate facts, fake news, and lists of “7 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Clean Without Picking Up a Toothbrush” it's easy to be confused about the correct way to brush.  

Don't worry - we’ve got you covered with this handy FAQ (frequently asked questions) guide. We’ll keep it simple with some easy dos and don’ts of brushing. Let’s get to it! 

Don’t: Keep your brush flat 
Do: Use a 45-degree angle when brushing 

Don’t: Use looooooooong strokes. No need to cover your whole mouth in one stroke! 
Do: Use short, side to side strokes 

Don’t: Brush with the force of a giant
Do: Gently cover all areas. A gentle touch helps prevent wear and tear on your enamel 

Don’t: Go one and done 
Do: Brush at least twice a day, especially after eating or drinking something acidic (like citrus or soda) 

Don’t: Be sentimental and use the same toothbrush for life 
Do: Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. A trick to remember: switch out on the first day of each season 

Don’t: Be average – the average person brushes their teeth for 45 seconds 
Do: Brush for a full 2 minutes. A helpful trick: say the alphabet while brushing a certain section, move to the next section after you hit Z 

Don’t: Keep your toothbrush in a closed container 
Do: All your toothbrush to air dry 

Don’t: Store your toothbrush on the sink counter where bathroom particles can get on it 
Do: Store your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet 

Don’t: Use a tough-bristled brush 
Do: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is much better for your tooth enamel 

And there we have it! Some easy practices to keep that perfect smile. Remember: Brushing is only 4 minutes out of the day, so why not make it great?  If you have questions about brushing, ask our friendly Dental Hygienists at your next check up.  Need to schedule?  Give us a call at 919.755.3450 or schedule online at www.jeffmorrisondds.com.


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