Why I love Brushing Teeth

a dental hygienist shows you how...

I love brushing teeth. Tooth brushing makes a profound difference at any age. You may be too young or think you are too old to floss, but almost everyone brushes their teeth.

Every now and then I get the chance to show the amazing results of brushing your teeth. From baby to elderly dental care, brushing is key...

Usually it's a kid who brushes...well, lets just say she doesn't do enough of it. We were all kids once...so I don't judge:)




It's so much fun to show her the power of a toothbrush.

She sees the importance, and learns the best beauty tip ever...brushing teeth!

No toothpaste. No dental instruments. Just a plain ole brush and some water.

Of course we still need toothpaste with fluoride and dental instruments but, for cleaning plaque off your teeth...nothing beats this simple act.

For the kids

As a general rule, until your child is able to color within the lines you should be brushing for them. They don't have the fine motor skills until then. Let your child brush their teeth first then brush for them.

For children brushing before bedtime is important. Twice a day is ideal but if you only get it done once, do it before bedtime.

Don't let them eat the toothpaste. Kid's toothpaste is especially yummy so be sure to practice spitting and use a training (fluoride free) toothpaste until you are sure they're not swallowing it. At age 6, you can add a fluoride rinse for extra cavity protection.

Adults... improve your style

Tooth brushing is so automatic. You probably don't even realize how you are brushing.

Even if you have the best electric toothbrush good technique is crucial.

Before you know it, poor brushing patterns become habit. If you are not aware of plaque that has formed on your teeth, it's easy to miss the same spots day after day.

One common pattern... right handed brushers usually do a better job on their left side and lefties keep their right side cleaner.

Bad patterns are easy to fix once you are aware of them. Your dental hygienist can help.

Here's How

1. Be thorough: brush every surface of every tooth.
2. Have a sequence: brush in the same order everytime.
3. Use good technique: focus on your gum-line.

Here is a video showing great brushing technique...

It's hard to demonstrate the right amount of pressure....However, many people don't use enough pressure because they are afraid of hurting their gums. As a result, they have alot of plaque near their gums and are likely to have

symptoms of gum disease. We used to think brushing too hard caused receding gums. Now we know that clenching and grinding your teeth are the main causes of receded gums.

Remember, plaque loves to live near or under you gum line. Missing your gums when you brush will lead to gum disease.

You should feel the bristles against your gums, just don't scrub, use small circular strokes instead.

The Fine Tuning

• Be sure to use a soft toothbrush.
• Gently push the bristles toward your gums.
• Use just enough pressure to make the bristles "sweep" across and under your gums.
• Don't use long scrubbing strokes.
• Place your brush against your gums and use a massaging motion.

Be Patient

They are inflamed from all the plaque that you have been missing.

Don't worry, and don't quit brushing the new way.

Your gums should be firmer and healthier after a week. If not you may be brushing too hard.

If they are sore after brushing you can rinse with Listerine mouthwash or 3% hydrogen peroxide.

See your dentist if your gums don't look or feel healthy.

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