Are you brushing your teeth the right way?

Brushing your teeth may seem like an easy task that does not require much technique, but as it turns out, there are several things that are crucial for you to do when brushing to maintain a bright and healthy smile. Drs. Robert and Mandy Shearer at Soddy Daisy Smiles shed some light on the matter with these important truths:

1. Myth: I don’t need to brush for very long. Most people do not spend nearly enough time brushing their teeth, according to Robert Shearer.

“Dentists recommend brushing for two or three minutes,” he said. “To help get the job done, bring an egg timer into the bathroom and set it for two or three minutes before you get started, or use an electric toothbrush with a two-minute timer.”

2. Myth: Flossing is not a big deal. Mandy Shearer said this could not be further from the truth.

“Flossing gets between your teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach,” she explained. “Cavities form most often on the surfaces where two teeth touch. Bacteria get stuck there, feed off the sugars from food particles, colonize and produce chemicals that eat away at enamel and can work into the soft layer of dentin underneath.”

This left untouched leads to tooth decay, making flossing an essential part of any dental hygiene routine. Mandy Shearer said that starting with a full foot of floss and twirling the ends around the middle finger on each hand, while using your thumb and forefinger to gently work the floss between two teeth, is the best technique.

“Be careful not to pull it roughly or saw it back and forth,” she added. “That can injure the gum. Wrap the floss around one tooth and wipe up and down to loosen and remove plaque.”

To make flossing feel like less of a chore, get the job done while watching TV instead of standing over the bathroom sink.

3. Myth: I can use any kind of toothbrush. The type and firmness of toothbrush you use does make a difference for your overall tooth and gum health. Mandy Shearer said patients need to be sure to buy soft or ultra-soft brushes to minimize damage. Also, if your dentist gives you a special brush for cleaning implants or crowns, only use it as directed.

“Toothbrushes also need to be replaced about every three months, or sooner if the bristles look worn, frayed and bent,” she said.

4. Myth: I can use any kind of toothpaste. Just like a toothbrush, the type of toothpaste you use does make a big impact on your dental health. Robert Shearer said that baking soda toothpastes are very popular and good at getting stains out because they are abrasive, but that also means they are hard on enamel.

“It’s a trade-off that might not be worth it,” he explained. “As for whitening toothpastes, they don’t hurt your teeth, but you need to pay attention to correct usage instructions, and of course if you have any problems, consult with your dentist.”

5. Myth: Rinsing just needs to be quick, or I can skip it. Effective brushing and flossing unbind bacteria-laden plaque from the surface of teeth. Rinsing afterward is a key step to make sure that bacteria leave the mouth for good, Mandy Shearer said. Also swishing with a germ-killing, alcohol-free mouthwash is very helpful. If you do not have mouthwash, a good rinse-and-spit with water is better than nothing.

For more information about these tips and more, or to schedule an appointment, call Soddy-Daisy Smiles at 423-332-5275 or visit soddydaisysmiles.com.

Noteworthy:

“Flossing gets between your teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach,” explained Soddy-Daisy Smiles’ Dr. Mandy Shearer. “Cavities form most often on the surfaces where two teeth touch. Bacteria get stuck there, feed off the sugars from food particles, colonize and produce chemicals that eat away at enamel and can work into the soft layer of dentin underneath.”