You may have seen articles online advertising homeopathic treatments to whiten teeth, or even a suggestion to brush teeth with salt, but dentists do not recommend that you trust everything you read. Before you look for ways to whiten your teeth, you should be looking for ways to properly care for their overall health. If your gums bleed when brushing teeth, this could be a sign of gingivitis, which can progress to periodontitis. According to the American Dental Association, nearly 50% of people have gingivitis! Here are some tips for how, and how not to brush your teeth so that you can avoid becoming a statistic.
- How to brush your teeth.
- How not to brush your teeth.
Every dentist will have some variation on the correct way to brush teeth, but for the most part the general principles are the same across the board. You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes, focusing on getting all the surfaces on all of your teeth, especially along the gum line. Flossing is an important part of the process, and rinsing with a mouthwash or at least with water to remove the bacteria and food particles that you scrubbed or flossed loose.
Most dentists would not recommend that you brush teeth with salt, or brush teeth with bleach. Although these have been reported to whiten teeth, salt can damage the enamel on your teeth, and bleach is toxic and should never be used for personal hygiene. Brushing teeth too hard can also do damage to your teeth and gums, so you should use a soft or medium bristled brush, and a hard bristled brush if that is what your dentist recommends.
Almost 100% of people report that a good smile is important, and the easiest way to achieve a good smile is with proper and consistent dental care. This starts with brushing your teeth correctly, and is reinforced by visiting the dentist for teeth cleanings and checkups. It is also important to remember to floss, and to use only tooth whitening methods that are approved by dental professionals.
Remember, do not brush teeth with salt, or bleach, and consult your dentist before you attempt any homeopathic remedies prescribed by anonymous internet users. Less than 30% of men and women brush their teeth after each meal, but doing so is one of the best measures that you can take to improve your oral and dental health.
