I went to the dentist today. I’ve been trying to go for months, but I’ve also had sinusitis and the flu since April. You can’t go to the dentist if you can’t breathe through your nose!
My dentist told me I had highly polished teeth. I was thrilled. Until he told me this is a very bad thing. That means I’m brushing my teeth too hard and polishing the enamel right off my teeth.
I have actually worn away a part of my tooth by brushing too hard. I’m typing this wearing very attractive gum trays with whitening gel as I’ve worn away so much enamel my teeth are slightly discoloured. Now that’s classy.
While I was there, I took the opportunity to ask a few questions about how to brush your teeth properly. This is Need To Know stuff!
How to Brush Your Teeth Properly:
- Use a soft-bristled brush, which you change when it shows signs of wear, or at least every three months. If your brush shows wear in a few weeks, you are brushing too hard.
- Standard toothpaste is your friend. Whitening toothpaste is only necessary if you have stains on your teeth from smoking, or drinking a lot of coffee or red wine. All it will do otherwise is abrade the enamel off your teeth.
- Do not brush in a round and round motion.
- Do not brush in a horizontal motion.
- Do brush in an up-and-down vertical motion. VERY gently!
- Make sure you brush each surface of your tooth.
- Brush for two minutes.
- Floss daily.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue.
I was pleased to learn that I’m doing all the right things. I was just using the wrong toothpaste and too much force!
This message is brought to you by Captain Obvious and I’m Nearly 40, I Should Know This Stuff.
Now go brush your teeth gently and in a vertical motion for two minutes. Did you know this stuff?
