Toothbrushing Tips from a General Dentist

general dentist Buford, GA

Our general dentist wants you to know brushing is one of the most important things you can do to safeguard your oral health. Oral bacteria converts leftover food particles that are left on teeth surfaces into acids that eat away at teeth enamel. Over time, this leads to the formation of small holes on teeth surfaces called cavities. Absent treatment, these cavities expand until they reach the pulp chamber, leaving the nerve or blood vessels there vulnerable to infection. Tooth decay will continue to eat at a tooth if left untreated and it might eventually create a need for the tooth to be extracted.

Our general dentist share tooth brushing tips

Here are some tips from our general dentist that will help you to improve your brushing routine:

  • Brush at least two times a day with a soft toothbrush. The toothbrush should fit in your mouth and easily reach all areas. Brushing twice a day significantly reduces the damage oral bacteria can cause on teeth.
  • Brush before going to bed. Saliva production is reduced during sleep and that reduces the protection teeth have since saliva helps to keep teeth surfaces clean. Brushing before going to bed removes plaque and bacteria that have built up on teeth during the day and prevents them from wreaking havoc while a person sleeps.
  • Replace toothbrushes every three months. A toothbrush should be replaced when the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not be as effective at removing plaque and bacteria from teeth surfaces.
  • Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps to re-mineralize teeth enamel and it protects teeth against tooth decay. Dentists recommend using oral hygiene products that are infused with fluoride.

How a person brushes their teeth also determines how effective their brushing sessions are. Proper brushing technique includes:

  • The toothbrush should be placed at a 45-degree angle to the gums. This helps to remove plaque at the areas where the gums and teeth meet
  • The toothbrush should be moved back and forth using soft, gentle strokes
  • Brush the front, back and chewing surfaces of teeth during each brushing session
  • Use a dental dye to pinpoint areas your brushing technique is prone to missing
  • Spend at least two minutes brushing teeth during each session
  • Complement brushing sessions by flossing at least once daily. Bacteria and food particles can get stuck between teeth and the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach these spaces. Flossing once each day helps to keep these spaces clean. Not flossing leaves teeth vulnerable to decay
  • Use a mouthwash to clean areas brushing and flossing miss

Our general dentist is here to help

Practicing good oral hygiene is not the only way to protect teeth against tooth decay and gum disease. Dentists also perform preventative treatments like fluoride treatments and dental sealants that can help to reduce the effects of oral bacteria on teeth. Request an appointment here: https://buforddentist.com or call North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (770) 932-1115 for an appointment in our Buford office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

When Can I Brush My Teeth After a Tooth Extraction?

When Can I Brush My Teeth After a Tooth Extraction?

TLDR; You can start brushing your teeth 24 hours after a tooth extraction—but avoid the extraction site. Use a soft toothbrush and rinse with warm salt water to promote healing and avoid complications like dry socket. Why Oral Hygiene Still Matters After a Tooth Extraction Maintaining oral hygiene—even after an extraction—is vital for healing. Avoiding […]

Is Tooth Extraction Necessary with Braces? Understanding When and Why It’s Done

Is Tooth Extraction Necessary with Braces? Understanding When and Why It’s Done

TLDR; Yes, tooth extraction is sometimes necessary with braces, especially when there’s severe crowding, bite issues, or jaw misalignment. However, it’s not required for every patient—modern orthodontic treatments offer alternatives that may avoid extractions altogether. Why Teeth Might Be Extracted During Braces Treatment Tooth extraction is often part of a comprehensive orthodontic plan when a […]

How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Surgery Take?

How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Surgery Take?

TLDR; Wisdom teeth surgery typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how many teeth are being removed and their complexity. A simple extraction of one erupted tooth may take as little as 20 minutes, while removing four impacted wisdom teeth could stretch the procedure to over an hour. What Is Wisdom Teeth Surgery […]

What Can You (and Can’t) Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

What Can You (and Can’t) Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

TLDR; Yes, you can eat—but only soft, cool, and gentle foods for the first few days after wisdom teeth removal. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky to prevent complications like dry socket and delayed healing. What Happens After Wisdom Teeth Removal? After your wisdom teeth are removed, your mouth goes through several healing stages. […]

What Can You (and Can’t) Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

What Can You (and Can’t) Drink After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

TLDR; After wisdom teeth removal, avoid hot, carbonated, and alcoholic beverages for at least 24–72 hours. Stick with room-temperature water, lukewarm herbal teas, and nutrient-rich drinks without using a straw. Drinking the wrong thing can cause serious complications like dry socket. Why Drink Choices Matter After Wisdom Teeth Removal Your drink choices immediately after oral […]

When Can You Eat Chips After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

When Can You Eat Chips After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

TLDR; You should wait at least two weeks before eating chips after wisdom teeth removal for upper extractions and up to eight weeks for lower extractions, as they heal slower. Crunchy foods can dislodge the blood clot, leading to painful complications like dry socket. Always consult your Buford Dentist before reintroducing chips into your diet. […]

General Question

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. 

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast