Today is National Brush Day! As your dentist, we’re ready to celebrate. We think the best way to do that is sharing our five tips for getting the most from your toothbrush. We hope you’ll use them every day, not just on Brush Day. 

If you’d like any other tooth brushing tips, just ask us at your next dental exam at one of our two San Antonio locations. In the meantime, check out our advice:

  • Focus on Most Important Features – It can be easy to get distracted by toothbrush features like timers, pressure sensors, and multiple brushing modes. Feel free to get a brush with features that will improve your oral hygiene routine. However, the only essential features are soft bristles and a head that fits easily in your mouth. Hard bristles are bad news, as they can damage your tooth enamel. 
  • Make Sure You Brush Long Enough – A timer can come in handy, as it’s important to brush for two full minutes every time you brush your teeth. It doesn’t have to be built into your toothbrush, though. You can simply set the timer on your phone. For a more fun way to time your brushing sessions, find some two-minute songs you like and brush to the music. 
  • Take It Easy on Your Teeth – Too many people treat brushing teeth like scrubbing the tub, figuring the harder they scrub, the cleaner the result. Actually overly vigorous brushing – especially with a hard-bristled toothbrush – is bad for your smile. It can cause your enamel to wear away. This  leaves you more susceptible to decay and can adversely impact the appearance of your teeth. 
  • Switch Brushes Regularly – Over time, wear and tear on your brush’s bristles can make it less effective. You should get a new brush (or brush head) every three or four months. Switch sooner if your bristles look frayed or noticeably worn. If they do, it’s also likely a sign you need to use a more gentle touch on your teeth. 
  • Keep Your Toothbrush Dry – Bacteria love a warm, dark environment – especially a moist one. So it’s best to keep your brush out in the open where air can easily circulate around it and keep it dry. You can also give it an occasional soak in some mouthwash.

To make an appointment at Cosmetic Dental Associates, call us today at 210-951-4444 (Medical Center at Babcock & Huebner) or 210-942-5047 (Alamo Ranch).