Do you brush your teeth well? Here are the steps to follow

Oral health is extremely important for us to feel good in general. AND although washing teeth It is usually a habit that one learns from a young age, the technique or method can fail even in adulthood. causing a series of conditions that, if not corrected, could lead to serious illnesses.

Bad breath, cavities, sensitivity, bleeding gums, among others, are some symptoms that indicate something is wrong. However, the Spanish dentist Iván Malagón warned that poor oral hygiene is also linked to diseases such as diabetes, certain types of cancer, gastritis and even mental disorders.

And the first step would be to brush your teeth well. For that, The specialist explained the steps to follow for correct washing and to avoid the most common mistakes when brushing.

A two or three minute chant should be enough for brushing. Doing it in 30 seconds, even if done vigorously, will not clean your teeth and other surfaces of your mouth well.

This is why, according to Malagón, the most common mistake is not spending enough time cleaning your mouth: “Brushing for a short period of time does not remove all food debris or reduce the presence of cavity-causing bacteria. In addition, the risk of suffering from periodontitis increases and the gums weaken.” he warned.

According to the expert, the amount of toothpaste that should go on the brush “is the size of a pea. No more no less”.

This is because the product contains abrasive components that help clean effectively. However, too much could weaken tooth enamel and cause discomfort, such as sensitivity.

On the other hand, the dentist warned Do not brush more than three times a day, after each meal, to avoid damaging the enamel.

Brushing your mouth doesn’t just happen through your teeth and that’s it. The dentist explained that “Just as we brush our teeth, we must also gently brush our tongue and gums, which are the most forgotten parts of oral hygiene. »

Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that The front surfaces of the teeth should also be brushed.

Contrary to popular belief, Large, hard-bristled brushes are not ideal for the general population, “because in addition to cleaning, they damage teeth.”

That is why The expert recommends “using small brushes that reach all corners of the mouth and with soft bristles so as not to damage the enamel.”

On the other hand, Malagón recalled that the brush must be changed every 3 months or sooner, if it is found that the bristles are too worn.

Rinsing it with water after brushing doesn’t seem to be the best alternative. The dentist warned that After disinfecting our mouth, it is important to wash the brush, as it could be contaminated with bacteria and food remains that we have removed.

Additionally, he recommended letting it air dry, without the cover that is usually provided in some cases, because it generates humidity that “is a breeding ground for bacteria.”