Preventative Care

Want to Brush Your Teeth Better? 5 Tips

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Brushing your teeth is one of the most effective and important things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums. If you have questions about how to brush your teeth, your dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL, can give you advice. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the tips we provide to patients about how they can brush their teeth better and more effectively.

1. Brush For Long Enough

Brush your teeth for two minutes each time you brush. Not sure how long you’ve been brushing your teeth? Set a timer. Don’t brush for longer than two minutes, or you could do damage to your teeth and gums over time.

2. Use the Right Toothbrush

Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head that fits easily in your mouth. If you’re looking for a more effective form of toothbrush, consider getting an electric toothbrush. Some electric toothbrushes are shown to be more effective at keeping teeth clean and removing plaque. If you’re not sure which type of electric toothbrush is right for you, ask your dentist for a recommendation.

3. Brush All Four Quadrants

Divide your teeth into four quadrants: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. Brush all four quadrants every time you brush. If you use an electric toothbrush, some electric toothbrushes have apps that can help you track what you’ve brushed.

4. Be Gentle

You don’t need to push hard on your teeth when you’re brushing. Be gentle and use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Scrubbing hard against your teeth and gums can cause gum recession.

5. Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months

Toothbrushes can get worn down. Replace your toothbrush every three months to ensure that your toothbrush is as effective as possible.

6. Brush Your Tongue

Your tongue can harbor bacteria just like the rest of your mouth. Brushing your tongue can help freshen your breath while also keeping your mouth cleaner generally.

Are you coming in for a dental cleaning in Elk Grove Village, IL? The dental professionals at Schumer Family Dental Care can give you more advice on how to brush your teeth when you come in for your dental appointment. Write down your questions and ask them the next time you come for an appointment.

 6 Preventative Dentistry Care Tips That Make a Difference

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Your teeth are important for your smile and quality of life. If your teeth are unhealthy, you may feel pain or experience embarrassing problems like bad breath. The dentist in Elk Grove Village, IL, can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Below, we’ve provided some important tips to help. Here’s what you need to know. 

1. Use Best Practices When Brushing

Toothbrushing is an art. If you’re good at brushing your teeth, you’ll experience less plaque and tartar on your enamel. There are many things you can do to ensure that your teeth are properly brushed. Here are some best practices to follow when brushing:

  • Brush for two minutes each time. Use a timer or an electric toothbrush that tracks how long you’ve been brushing your teeth. 
  • Don’t push too hard. Maintain light pressure on your tooth enamel when brushing.
  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush. Soft bristle toothbrushes are gentle enough to be used on your tooth enamel, but hard enough to wipe away food particles and plaque.  

2. See the Dentist Twice Each Year

Visit the dentist twice each year – every six months – to maintain clean teeth. Most dental insurance policies will pay for patients to see the dentist twice annually. 

3. Consider Getting An Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes have been shown to work better against plaque buildup. Get an electric toothbrush to help you maintain clean teeth and healthy gums. 

4. Eat Right and Stay Hydrated

Avoid eating too much sugar. Stay away from sugary desserts and candies. Sugar can cause cavities. Stay hydrated, as well. Drink plenty of water. Drinking water helps wash away food particles that can cause bad breath and plaque buildup. 

Watch your intake of sodas and fruit juices, as these sugary drinks can contribute to cavities. 

5. Floss Daily

Floss your teeth every day. Flossing helps eliminate food particles from between your teeth. Your dentist will show you how to floss. 

6. Brush Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue helps eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath and bacteria buildup in the mouth. 

Do you have questions about how you can take care of your teeth? Ask your dentist during your next dental checkup in Elk Grove Village, IL.