Both tooth decay and gum disease are some of the most preventable illnesses that can affect your body. In fact, with proper tooth and gum care and dental visits, there's a chance you will never experience a cavity in your lifetime. In order to avoid having a cavity filled, you need to be sure you are brushing correctly.
Selecting the Right Toothbrush
Your first step towards a healthy smile that is cavity-free is selecting a good toothbrush. You will want to make sure your toothbrush is soft. Most dentists recommend a soft toothbrush because it will get the bacteria that cause cavities off your teeth without damaging the enamel that covers and protects your tooth. While many people think a medium or hard toothbrush is best, if your toothbrush is too hard, it causes damage to both your teeth and gums.
Toothpaste
While almost all municipal water in the United States contains fluoride, if you live in a rural area or you are on a well system, you need to make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to protect your teeth from cavities. If you have sensitive teeth, you may want to make sure your toothpaste is good for sensitive teeth. Specially formulated toothpaste can help soothe the nerves in your teeth and make them less sensitive over time.
Technique
To make sure that you properly brush your teeth, choose a jaw to start with. Many people start with the upper teeth. You want to brush your teeth using small circular motions, covering both your teeth and the gumline to get as much bacteria as possible. If your gums bleed when you brush them, try not to press down so hard. Repeat the circular motion on the inside of your teeth, as well as the lower outside and inside of your teeth. You will have a cleaner, brighter smile quickly!
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