Many people are under the impression they do a relatively good job when they brush your teeth, but how do they know?


Is it simply because their teeth feel really clean when they are done? Or maybe because they do not often get a cavity?

Brushing is about more than preventing cavities, although that is part of it. You need to make sure that you are getting everywhere in your mouth each and every time you brush. The last thing you want is to go through and miss an area of your mouth regularly and wind up with gum disease or tooth decay that you didn’t see coming.

How to Make Sure You Brush Well Enough

First, you need to make sure that you are using the right kind of toothbrush and the amount of toothpaste that is recommended on the tube. Next, you need to brush every surface of each and every tooth. You must also get where your tooth and gums meet, for each tooth.

Then, to improve how you brush your teeth, start in a new place each time so you do not get into a routine and bypass something that you do not even realize you have missed. Finally, you need to make sure you are brushing, actually brushing, for the entire two minutes that is recommended by dentists.

Do not include time where you are running water over your toothbrush or spitting out the foam, as this is not a part of the brushing process that counts.

Another way of knowing that you are brushing well enough is to ask your dentist at your next visit. He or she will let you know if you have been doing a good job or if you have missed some parts of your mouth. Contact our office and find out for yourself.