Warding off the ravages of tooth decay and gum disease is as simple as brushing your teeth properly at least twice a day and flossing at least once, in conjunction with regular dental cleanings. Today, Dr. Hoang Truong and our Gateway Oaks Dental team in Sacramento, California, want to share the following brushing tips to help your pearly whites create a stellar smile:

— Make sure the brush you use is the right size for your mouth. You want it to fit comfortably in your hand as you work with it, and it shouldn’t be too big or too small in your mouth.

— Use the softest bristle’s you can to get the job done effectively. Hard bristles combined with strenuous brushing can wear down tooth enamel and cause your gums to recede.

— Brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time, but no more than three times a day. It’s also important to use gentle brushstrokes as you clean your teeth.

— As you brush, don’t saw side-to-side as this can damage the gum line. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and use short up-and-down strokes to clean.

— While you are cleaning your teeth, go ahead and brush your tongue, the molars in the back of your mouth and all the sides of your tooth surfaces to remove harmful bacteria.

— Tooth whitening or tartar control toothpaste can be harsh on enamel over time. Conversely, fluoride toothpaste helps protect enamel and if you have sensitive teeth, desensitizing toothpaste helps protect those pearly whites.

— Beverages like coffee, diet sodas, fruit juices and energy drinks all have acid that softens tooth enamel. If you like these drinks, wait at least 20 minutes before brushing your teeth. This allows your saliva to remineralize your enamel before you brush, which protects your teeth.

— Because moist brushes can grow bacteria, store your toothbrush upright without touching surfaces (such as countertops, other toothbrushes, etc.) so it can air dry in between uses.

— Replace your toothbrush every three months to four months, or whenever the bristles fray. Frayed bristles can’t clean your teeth effectively.

This busy holiday season, take some time to show your smile some love by incorporating these smile tips. And if it is time for your next dental checkup, we invite you to schedule with Dr. Hoang Truong and our Gateway Oaks Dental team in Sacramento, California, by calling 916-649-0249 today.