Proper tooth brushing techniques are essential to ward off tooth day and gum disease. Proper tooth brushing will remove food particles and bacteria without scrubbing your teeth and gums too heavily. Brushing too heavily can lead to erosion. To avoid damaging the surface of your teeth, choose a soft bristly toothbrush and apply following steps to ensure proper tooth brushing:

1. Only use a thin strip or pea-sized amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush. The toothpaste is to freshen your breath. The toothbrush is actually responsible for cleaning your teeth, not the toothpaste. The extra toothpaste used when brushing is basically an added amount of abrasive cleaner, which can lead to erosion and receding gums.
2. Keep your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the surface of your teeth pointing towards the gum line.
3. Avoid the straight, back-and-forth motion, which can abrade the teeth. Using a gentle, circular motion covering all surfaces (front, back, & chewing surfaces)
4. After cleaning all surfaces using the circular pattern, it is also good practice to hold your toothbrush vertically to clean the inner areas of the teeth.
5. Don’t forget to brush your tongue. Bacteria can accumulate on the tongue between the taste buds and other structures of the tongue. There are special brushes available specifically for your tongue and they are easy to use.
6. The recommended time to spend brush your teeth is 2 to 3 minutes.

Flossing is also an important part of proper oral health care. Flossing can be performed before or after brushing. A quality mouth rinse can add even more protection after brushing and flossing. Do not hesitate to contact South Tampa Smiles team for further tips on proper brushing, flossing and other health care concerns at 813 – 289 – 0560.

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