How to Properly Clean Your Teeth

We have many Dental Hygienists here at Wichita Dental Group with years of experience and I spoke with each one and gathered information to guide you with your oral health. We hope this guide will be helpful for you! Every mouth is different. What one person uses might not work for you, so we want to make sure you’re using the correct tools to keep your smile healthy.

Choosing the Right Tools For a Healthy Smile!

Start with your toothbrush:

Choosing the right toothbrush is key! Many think using a medium to hard bristle toothbrush will clean their teeth better… it’s actually FAR from the truth and you could end up doing more damage than good. A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on your gums and very effective at removing plaque. You don’t want to torture your mouth, make sure your tooth brush is labeled soft or extra soft. Your teeth and gums deserve it!

Manual vs. Electric: Both can be effective, but electric toothbrushes make the job easier, especially for those with braces or dexterity issues. Even if this doesn’t describe you, electrics are more consistent and easier. We have friends and family who we encouraged to switch to an electric toothbrush during their orthodontic treatment and it made a world of difference in keeping their teeth clean, especially around brackets.

Also if you have a family member or friend who has arthritis or limited mobility, having an electric toothbrush will help them brush easier.

**And don’t forget, change out your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 months!

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

Look for toothpaste with stannous fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. There are also specialty options for whitening or sensitivity. We always recommend our patients to choose a toothpaste that suits their specific needs. For example: If your gums are super red, swollen, and bleed easily, you should stay away from whitening toothpastes for a while and look into sensitive toothpaste until your gums heal. Whitening toothpaste can do more harm than good and create more sensitivity making it uncomfortable to take care of your teeth.

Timing: Brush for at least 2 minutes. It seems long, but put on some music that lasts 2-3 minutes and brush until the song is over. Many electric toothbrushes have timers too so it makes it more convenient for you! 

Why 2 minutes? You’ll be able to remove more debris and give your teeth more attention. According to the American Dental Association by brushing your teeth for at least two minutes you may be able to remove up to 26% more plaque.

Brush at least twice a day: once in the morning and ESPECIALLY before bed. Brushing at night is important because it removes bacteria and plaque you collected through-out the day. Please don’t go to bed with an unclean mouth.

Floss: Floss can be tedious… but we cannot stress enough to our patients how important it is. It reaches areas your toothbrush can’t get to. If you have trouble flossing try to use a flosser that uses water, like the Water flosser. It’s not as detailed as regular floss, but it’s better than nothing. You can also use flossers! Use what is easiest for you. The goal is to get the food and build-up out in-between your teeth so bacteria doesn’t form cavities into your teeth.

Mouthwash: Using mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath. Ones without alcohol are usually more gentle and burn less. Use them after flossing and brushing.

Additional Tools: Don’t forget about tongue scrapers and interdental brushes! The interdental brushes look like mini Christmas trees on a stick. Interdental brushes can help clean out the larger spaces between your teeth that floss can’t seem to remove completely. Tongue scrapers need more love because as many don’t know a lot of bacteria builds up on your tongue that also helps in causing bad breath.

Here are videos we made to help you learn how to properly clean your teeth!

Do You Use the RIGHT Toothbrush for your Smile? Tips from a Dentist

Proper Flossing Technique by a Dentist: A Simple Guide to a Cleaner Mouth!

Are you using the RIGHT Floss? | Flossing tips from a Dentist!

Areas Often Missed

Inside of Back Teeth: Don’t forget about your molars. They can be tricky to reach, but they need attention too. Using a smaller-headed toothbrush can help get back there. People usually brush the outside of their teeth but inside near the tongue is a commonly missed area. You also need to floss the back part of your back teeth too! Not many people know this, but they build up plaque around the gumline.

Gum Line: Gently brush along the gum line where plaque tends to accumulate. You’ll want to place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to help remove plaque around the gumline easier. Feel the bristles gently touching your gums. 

Tongue and Inner Cheeks: Brushing your tongue and inner cheeks can help remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my breath since making this a habit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Brushing Too Hard: Applying too much pressure can damage your enamel and gums. Think of it as polishing an apple, not scrubbing a floor. A gentle touch is more effective. Even if you have a soft-bristle toothbrush, do not brush hard.

Using an Old Toothbrush: Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles start to fray. I keep a reminder on my phone to switch out my toothbrush regularly. If your toothbrush bristles fray out, it probably means you’re brushing too hard.

Skipping Night Brushing: Never go to bed without brushing your teeth. You’re leaving all of the bacteria that collected throughout the day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all that food is on your teeth overnight. This gives the bacteria time to build up and start damaging your teeth. If anything, brushing before bed is the most important time to clean your teeth.

Regular Dental Check-ups: Seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams is essential. We can check your gum health, make sure plaque has not found its way under the gumline, take x-rays so we can catch issues early and keep your teeth in top shape. Our hygienist can also find the right tools that are customized for your mouth! Plus, it’s always nice to get that professional polish!

Tips for Different Age Groups

Children: Make brushing fun by letting kids choose colorful toothbrushes and toothpaste flavors they enjoy. Be sure to supervise until they’ve mastered the technique. We generally find this to be up until around age 6-8 for most kids. You can even use kid-friendly brushing videos on YouTube. Many come with built-in timers and catchy songs. It turns brushing into their own little daily routine they can look forward to!

Teens: If you have braces, use a toothbrush designed for orthodontic care. Our teen patients often find that electric toothbrushes make cleaning around braces much easier. Flossing can also become difficult when having braces. Look into flossers specifically made for braces. Water flossers are great to have too!

Adults: Make sure you have the correct size toothbrush for your smile. The right kind of floss is important too, especially if your teeth are tight or open. If you have sensitivity, address it with the right toothpaste and avoid overly acidic foods and drinks. If the sensitivity is too much you may give us a call and Dr. Paul Lewis or Dr. John Lewis can recommend a stronger toothpaste for you to use.

Seniors: Dry mouth can be an issue, so staying hydrated and using mouthwash for dry mouth can help. Also, if you have dentures, make sure to clean them properly and regularly. If you clean your dentures over the sink, make sure to place multiple towels down in the sink or fill your sink up with water. So if you accidentally drop your denture while cleaning it, the appliance will have some cushion.

Addressing Special Conditions

Sensitive Teeth: Use a toothpaste designed for sensitivity and brush gently. We give our patients Crest Sensitive toothpaste. If this doesn’t work we prescribed them toothpaste that is stronger like Prevident or All Day 5000 toothpastes. 

Gum Disease: Specialized brushing methods and tools, such as interdental brushes, can help manage gum disease. Regular dental visits are crucial for professional care and guidance. If your gums bleed while brushing or flossing, you may have gingivitis.

Orthodontic Appliances: Brushing around braces and retainers requires extra care. Water flossers or flossers made for braces will make life much easier when it comes to maintaining the health of your teeth.

Conclusion

To recap, brushing your teeth properly is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. Use the right tools, follow the correct technique, and remember to brush all areas of your mouth. Consistency is key, make brushing a part of your daily routine.

If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to schedule a dental check-up. We can provide tailored recommendations to help you achieve the best oral health possible.

By incorporating these tips and making brushing an enjoyable part of your routine, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, brighter smile. Happy brushing!

If you don’t have a Dental cleaning set up yet you can contact our office! We have two locations. 

Epic Center (Downtown location):

316-265-0849

Founders Circle (East Location):

316-684-7531

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