Any family dentistry professional will tell you that brushing your teeth is a key aspect of good oral hygiene. However, you need to brush your teeth properly in order to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health risks that are related to poor brushing habits. Here are several do's and don'ts of tooth brushing that every person should be aware of. 

Do: 

Brush for two minutes. 

Rushing through your tooth brushing routine can have negative consequences. Take at least two minutes to thoroughly brush all aspects of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, tongue, and the roof of the mouth. You can use a small timer, sing a song, or count to yourself to ensure that you hit the two-minute mark. 

Brush after eating certain foods. 

Some foods and drinks leave destructive residue on your teeth. It's always wise to brush after eating candy, drinking soda, or consuming anything sticky or chewy. If you don't have time to brush, you should at least use mouthwash in between your morning and evening oral hygiene routine to keep your mouth bacteria-free. 

Clean your tongue. 

If you notice that your breath smells despite brushing two times a day, you may have bacteria on your tongue that can only be removed with a tongue scraper. Tongue bacteria puts off sulfur, which is responsible for foul scents. Use your scraper once or twice from the back to the front of your tongue to eliminate bacteria. 

Don't: 

Share toothbrushes. 

Even if you're in a pinch, avoid using someone else's toothbrush. Every person's mouth houses different bacteria. You don't want to inadvertently contract germs or gum disease by sharing a brush with someone close to you. 

Swallow toothpaste. 

Always spit out your toothpaste and rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing. If you fail to rinse, the bacteria that you removed from your teeth by brushing will linger in your mouth and end up sticking to your teeth again. Use clean water to expel any leftover toothpaste and saliva. 

Use too much force. 

People often think that they need to aggressively scrub their teeth to remove bacteria. This is not the case - brushing too vigorously can actually remove the protective enamel from your teeth. Use soft, circular strokes to clean your teeth without damaging the enamel. 

If you need to visit a family dentistry professional, contact Ronald L. Rasmussen, DDS, in Sacramento, CA. This trusted dentist offers routine checkups, x-rays, dental cleanings, whitening, veneers, and other essential family dentistry services. He helps patients of all ages maintain great oral health. Learn more about what he can do for you online or schedule an appointment by calling (916) 689-1100.