Do you know what you’re doing when you’re brushing your teeth? You are removing plaque and debris from your mouth, so your teeth and gums and entire oral cavity remain in good health. What you may not know, however, is exactly which surfaces of your smile or surrounding tissue you should brush during this portion of your dental hygiene routine. Take a few thoughts into consideration, so you know you’re doing a wonderful job with your oral health.
Brush Your Teeth
As you likely already know, you need to brush your teeth. This means brushing the multiple surfaces of your teeth, which you might think of as the fronts, the backs, the sides, and the surfaces with which you chew. Every exposed area of dental tissue within your mouth needs brushing, so plaque does not remain and lead to tooth decay.
Brush Along Your Gumline
Don’t forget to brush your tooth tissue along your gumline. Patients often overlook this area, which can become quite dangerous for your oral health. Good dental hygiene means caring for your teeth and your gums. Angle your brush toward your gum tissue, brushing gently along the gumline to remove plaque and particles as you sweep the brush away from your gums.
Brush Your Tongue, Too!
It’s true – you need to brush your tongue, too. Keep in mind that you don’t need to use much pressure (this is true for your smile, as well). With a light touch, carefully brush your tongue’s surface with your toothbrush and remaining toothpaste. This will protect your oral health, while ensuring your breath remains nice and fresh smelling.
