Dental implants can make a smile look fabulous – I know I have them. However, if you are just thinking about getting them, you may have a lot of questions. You may be wondering how smoking affects implants, whether or not wine will stain them, if they can be whitened or other concerns. I also know from experience that it can be intimidating to ask some of these questions to your dentist. In my dental implant blog, I am going to answer the questions that can be hard to ask. I hope you find the info you need in this blog and that it guides you to the right decision about dental implants. Thanks for reading!
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4 Bad Brushing Habits: How to Care for Your Teeth and Your Toothbrush
Isobel Berry
Regular tooth brushing is the most important part of your oral health regime. However, since brushing your teeth is something that you do every day, it is easy to fall into bad habits. Read the top tips below to find out the most common brushing mistakes and how to avoid them.
Using the wrong size of toothbrush
The size and shape of your toothbrush can make a big difference to your oral health. A common brushing error is to use the wrong tool for the job. When choosing a brush, make sure you go for the correct size for your mouth. Most people need a medium sized brush, but if you find it difficult to reach every tooth with your current brush, try a smaller size of toothbrush. Make sure you choose the right texture as well. If you have sensitive teeth or have recently had dental surgery, it is a good idea to go for a soft bristled brush so that you can clean as un-abrasively as possible.
Not looking after your toothbrush
After brushing your teeth, ensure that you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly to remove harmful bacteria. If you do not thoroughly clean your toothbrush, bacteria can begin to thrive on the bristles. You also need to replace your brush regularly; dentists recommend a change of brush every few months.
A bad brushing technique
Once you've chosen the right brush, it's a matter of perfecting your technique. Many people insert the brush into their mouth from above the teeth; however, the best way to hold the brush is at a 45 degree angle. This angle will allow you to clean both teeth and gums. When cleaning, a common mistake is to focus on the front teeth — do not fall into this trap! Make sure you spend time cleaning the less visible areas, the inside and backs of your teeth, the back teeth and the gumline.
Only brushing for a few seconds
Dentists recommend that you spend two minutes brushing. However, a study carried out in Switzerland found that the average length of time spent brushing is just 68 seconds. Next time you brush, time yourself and make sure you are giving each part of the mouth equal attention. Listen to your favourite pop song while you brush to ensure you clean your teeth for at least two minutes.
Following these tips should help you to develop and maintain a good brushing regime and improve your overall dental health. If you have any concerns or questions about oral hygiene, make an appointment with your dentist.
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