Oral health begins with clean teeth. Keeping the area where your teeth meet your gums clean can prevent gum disease, and keeping your tooth surfaces clean can help you avoid cavities. Dr. Anthony Farrow of Farrow Orthodontics offers the following tips to his patients in Philadelphia, PA:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, don’t rush. Dr. Farrow recommends brushing for two minutes twice a day, and more frequently if you are going through orthodontic treatment. Take enough time to do a thorough job.
Use the proper equipment. We at Farrow Orthodontics recommend using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Also, consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, for it can reduce plaque and the chance of gum disease more than manual brushing does. Moreover, these devices are helpful if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.
Practice good techniques. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle aiming the bristles toward the area where your tooth meets your gum. Again, Dr. Farrow reminds that keeping the area where your teeth meet your gums clean can prevent gum disease. Also, don’t forget to gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth (as well as your tongue) with short back-and-forth motions.
Keep your equipment clean. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Dr. Farrow also stresses that you store your toothbrush in an upright position if possible and allow it to air-dry until using it again. Toothbrush Tip: don’t routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, it can encourage the growth of bacteria.
Know when to replace your toothbrush. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three to four months — or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Follow these basic tips daily and if you have any question or concerns please don’t hesitate to call Dr. Farrow at 215.247.9060, or to stop by Farrow Orthodontics when and if you are in the Philadelphia, PA area.