The Red Light – Green Light On Brushing
by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
Read The Red Light – Green Light On Brushing by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
We look forward to serving you! Call - 305-858-0505.
Learning to drive a car and learning how to swing a golf club is a great achievement but the mastering comes from being able to do so with muscle memory. Brushing our teeth is another skill that we learn to do from a very early age. This good habit is easy but can easy fall into a routine of bad habits can be detrimental or our oral health if we’re not careful!
Developing correct brushing techniques and sticking to them is crucial to the health and appearance of your family’s smiles. So take a moment to brush up on your teeth brushing skills with the red and green lights of brushing your teeth properly.
The Red Lights!
- Don’t put yourself at risk for gum recession.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and refrain from aggressive brushing. Brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush or using excessive force while brushing can slowly cause gums to recede, exposing the root of the tooth and leading to sensitivity. Not fun! - Don’t brush immediately after eating.
Wait at least 30 minutes after you’ve eaten to brush your teeth. When you eat, bacteria produce acid that temporarily weakens the enamel. Brushing too soon after eating, especially acidic foods can damage the enamel in its weakened state. After eating, it’s best to rinse your mouth out with water or chew sugarless gum to increase saliva production. These measures will help to wash away bacteria without damaging your teeth! - Don’t ignore the rest of your mouth.
Especially your tongue! Did you know that 90 percent of bad breath is due to a dirty tongue? That’s why it’s so important to thoroughly brush the tongue or use a tongue scraper. - Don’t underestimate the importance of visiting your dentist.
No matter how well you brush, biannual visits to your dentist are imperative to keeping your smile radiant and healthy! Professional cleanings and checkups are the easiest way to avoid dental problems in the future.
The Green Lights
- Use the right technique tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line and brush using small circles.
This method is the most gentle and effective way to remove plaque! - Brush for the correct amount of time.
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes! To make sure you brush for the right amount of time, use a stopwatch or listen to your favorite song while brushing. When deciding how much time to spend brushing your teeth, the important thing to remember is that it’s not about a prescribed amount of time, it’s about cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth. - Brushing your teeth should be an absolutely essential part of your daily and nightly routine.
It’s also important to avoid midnight snacking! Sleeping directly after eating significantly raises your risk for cavities. - Replace your brush.
The ADA recommends buying a new toothbrush every three to four months. Over time, the bristles of the toothbrush wear down and become less effective at removing plaque and bacteria. It’s also important to swap out your toothbrush after being sick, otherwise, the germs from your illness may reinfect you.
Prevention Is The Best Cure
Regular dental visits not only keep our teeth and gums clean but they can help prevent more serious issues to keep your smile healthy between checkups.
Healthcare For The Whole Family
At Grove Smiles Dentistry we are focused on the latest treatments to create healthy and resilient smiles. In addition to helping your smile look and feel its best, we’re committed to your overall health.
We specialize in total family dental healthcare and want to make sure you and your family remain as healthy as possible when you visit us!
For Your Health,
Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
