July 25, 2016
Admit it – brushing your teeth is so second-nature you barely think about it. But doing it right is key for a healthy mouth. It can help you avoid problems like cavities and gum disease.
Sharpen your skills with these easy-to-follow tips:
Just any old toothbrush may not be the one for you. Think about the size of your mouth, says Richard H. Price, DMD, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. “If you are straining to open wide enough to let the brush in, the brush is probably too big,” he says.
It should feel good in your mouth and in your hand, so you’ll use it often.
Know your bristles, too. If they’re really stiff, they can hurt your gums. A soft brush is best.
Electric or manual? “It’s an individual preference,” says Michael Sesemann, DDS.
Price agrees. “It’s not the toothbrush, it’s the brusher.”
Electric toothbrushes can make it easier to do a better job, especially if you have arthritis or other trouble with your hands, arms, or shoulders.
RELATED Teeth Cleaning
Are you brushing enough? Twice a day is recommended, but Sesemann says three times a day is best.
It should take at least 2 minutes each time. He says most of us fall short. He also suggests you divide your mouth into four sections and spend 30 seconds on each. To make the time go faster, Sesemann says he watches TV while he brushes.
Some electric toothbrushes have built-in timers and can track how you’re using it by syncing to your smartphone.
Brushing more than three times a day might not be ideal, Sesemann says. That’s because too much can wear down your teeth’s outer shell, called enamel, and damage your gums.
Also, “don’t bear down too hard,” he says. “Use a lighter touch.”
If you use an electric brush, “you let the bristles do the work and just guide the toothbrush,” Price says.
Be gentle. It doesn’t take a lot of force to remove plaque, he says.
Is your way the right way? Wide, side-to-side strokes can scrape your gum line, Sesemann says. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, and make an up-and-down motion. Use short strokes.
Brush outer and inner tooth surfaces, back molars, and your tongue.
“Don’t forget about those hard-to-reach areas,” Sesemann says. If you aren’t thorough, plaque has time to sit in your mouth and cause damage.
Do you always begin in the same place? Dentists say most of us do.
“Start in a different place so that you don’t get lazy,” Price says. By the time you get to the last area of your mouth, you may be bored. Stay aware of what you’re doing.
“Keep track of where you are going and where you have been. Make it to all the surfaces,” Sesemann says.
The kind of toothpaste you use matters, Sesemann says. The ones that brighten or control tartar can be harsh. “An increase in whitening particles can be harmful and sand away tooth structure.”
Go back to plain old fluoride toothpaste, he says. If you want to lighten your smile, you can always switch between whitening toothpaste and regular.
Energy drinks, diet sodas, and sour candies — even healthy things like apple juice, orange juice, and coffee — have acid that can soften tooth enamel, Sesemann says.
If you do go for that stuff, wait half an hour before you brush. That gives your saliva time to restore tooth enamel.
“The mechanical action of brushing softened teeth is the perfect recipe for wearing away enamel,” Sesemann says.
Most of us store our brushes in the bathroom — not the cleanest place in the house.
To keep yours tidy, stand it up in a holder. If you leave it on the counter, you could expose it to germs from your toilet or sink. And don’t let two brushes touch if they’re stored together.
Let yours air dry — a moist brush is more likely to grow bacteria. Use a cover that lets air in when you travel.
How old is your brush? You should get a new one every 3 or 4 months.
Also, give it the eye test. “Once the bristles lose their normal flexibility and start to break apart, change your toothbrush,” Price says.
Frayed or broken bristles won’t clean as well.
If you can’t decide which toothbrush to buy, ask your dentist which kind is best.
webmd.com
When I first found this office I was terrified of the dentist and I had constant anxiety when seeing dentists. Now I look forward to cleanings and my anxiety is...
Absolutely amazing. Jess and Jessica at the front made me feel so comfortable and helped me conquer my fear of the dentist. The office is clean and welcoming I completely...
No teeth fell out mid cleaning. 10/10
Thank you doctor for my beautiful smile!
High-level professionals. Thank you, Dr. Gorbatov. I'm going to recommend your clinic to my friends. With best regards!
Entire office & staff is very accommodating and attentive to all your needs. The dentist was very nice and professional and really took the time to explain to me everything...
Very good cleaning
Great staff I was nervous but they made me feel at ease. I am confident that they will give me the smile that I airways wanted. The receptionist personality is...
I finally found a great dentist who does its all, root canals, caps, and implants. I needed major work on my mouth all at once, although it was expensive because...
Love the staff and great service!!
Painless, professional and efficient. Dr Gorbatov is great!
I’ve been coming here for almost 10 years now and can surely say that the customer service provided is one of the best in town. Make sure to be nice...
I have been going to Dr Gorbatov at A Center For Dental Excellence for many years now and their use of "Excellence" isn't just a marketing ploy and they definitely...
I have been having a lot of issues with my teeth for quiet some time, including broken molars and bad procedures at other dental facilities. I came to Dr. Gorbatov...
I was very fortunate to find Dr. Gorbatov right when I had a major issue with an old crown that fell off and led to a major infection just a...
Fast service and the best staff! I highly recommend this Dentist. I've been going to this Dentist for 2 years and I travel far now just to come here. They...
Excellent Service! Friendly, Clean and Prompt!
Been going here forever and they do an excellent job with all your dental needs and even with cosmetic dentistry as well!
Thank you personally and from the bottom of my heart for the kindness and consideration you showed my mom, Catherine the other day! ?
Very helpful and amazing response time! Found them on Instagram and I'm happy I did!
Very happy with quick service, suggestions & prices. Will be a repeat customer
The atmosphere in this office is beyond believe, I instantly felt comfortable with Dr Dimitiri and his assistant Yuri. They work great together. I had 6 veneers put in and...
This is the best dentist in the world who really cares about each and every patient and makes your smile look perfect! After visiting the new office you will be...
I have been going to this office now for the past 3 years. From Jessica working the front, to having my teeth cleaned, and both Drs. working on my teeth,...
I've been looking for a good dentist since So. FL lacks them. Not anymore, great professional services, and best of all, you will find a personal touch. You will truly...
Very professional nice staff great service.
Very professional office. Good dentist.Clean dental office
This is IT!!!! As good as it gets!!! If you want a celebrity smile call his number.
I feel I have the best care possible under Dr. Gorbatov and his team. His work is top quality and because of him I know my teeth and the health...
Dr. Gorbatov is an outstanding dental surgeon and professional in every sense of the word. He and his entire staff are wonderful--- by far the most knowledgeable and compassionate of...
I went to the office to get teeth cleaning! The receptionist was overwhelmed with something, but she was the sweetest. My dental hygienist did great job, made sure I feel...
A Center for Dental Excellence is fantastic. They’re understanding and extremely competent. Not only is the dental care itself excellent, but their quality of caring about their patients is unparalleled....
First time here the staff and Dr were so informative and professional thank you for making my experience run so smooth ?
Jessica at the front has helped me tremendously and the Dr has made the large amount of work that I have had done painless
From the minute I walked in the dr Gorbatov office till the and of my treatment I was pleasantly surprised with professionalism and care of Dr and his staff. I...
The dentist is very friendly and gentle during procedures.
I had a procedure done by Dr. Gorbatov, it was amazing, I didn't feel anything, he has very gentle hands and techniques and I didn't even feel the shot! I...
Awesome service. Highly recommended
Dr. Gorbatov placed an implant for me, I am extremely happy with the result, I had absolutely no pain during the procedure after few month doctor put a crown, looks...
I have been with the dentist for a few years now and love the care I receive. You are taken care of from the front desk person, through your visit!...
Had a great experience with Dr.Gorbatov, he is really professional and doing great his job always with a smile)) Definitely recommending him
Everyone in the office is super amazingly fantastic! They're informative and understanding. Dr. Gorbatov has done great work on my teeth! The dental hygienist has been a charm, makes every...
I switched my dentist because i was dissatisfied with their service and decided to go to Dr.Gorbotov's office for my wisdom tooth extraction. I never thought I would see the...
I want to say that I never write reviews. However I have to say that this dentist center is amazing! From the moment you enter you feel like family. Everyone...
This is the Best Dental Office I ever was. Great personality, gentle touch and perfectionism in all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Thank you Dr. Gorbatov for creating Smile I always...
Dr. Gorbatov is an excellent dentist. I went to several other dentist and they all wanted to do a root canal, but Dr. Gorbatov was able to save my tooth....
You are the best guys! You definitely make me smile more :) Thank you sooooo much! Olga Aksenova ❤️
Loved coming here, very nice Doctor and wonderful experience with a great cleaning. Receptionist is awesome too.
I know Dr. Gorbatov and use his service already for 15 years since we moved to Florida. He is an amazing doctor capable to do all types of dental and...
Dr. Gorbatov is an excellent dentist whose main priority is making sure his patients are comfortable and get the best dentistry he can offer. He provides an attentive service, and...
Great service Knowledgeable doctor Friendly staff 5+ stars!! Someone hacked into my account and gave false review. Not me!!! Outstanding service @ Dr Gorbatov Dentistry!!!!
Since me and my wife moved to Florida from Nj several years ago, we were looking for good dentist, the one we can trust. We tried a few but were...
My experience was great.Doctor is very professional.I really recommend.The best place to go for your dental.
Thank you Dr. Gorbatov for the great experience, your gentle touch and quality work you have done on my teeth. I have been very pleased with your professional, yet personable...
Dr. Gorbatov was very thorough and went over all concerns I had (I'm not really a fan of the dentist). He is definitely the nicest Dentist I have ever been...
Well I’ve been going to Dr. Gorbatov since 1996.... Yes ! I’m a loyal. With all the dental issues I’ve had, he’s been able to resolve them and been keeping...
I have been Dr. Gorbatov's patient for over 8 years and have always received excellent service. The facility and staff are wonderful. I would highly recommend A Center for Dental...
Incredible how I was just taking my mother to her dentist appointment to me ending up becoming a patient, Jessica greeted me with such warmth and compassion and immediately noticed...
Had an amazing experience. Staff was very caring and nice. They are very honest
Hello, Dr.Gorbatov is truly THE BEST ,so please just forget about all the rest! I truly witnessed MIRACLE IN MAKING!!! My sister now have a MOVIE STAR SMILE! Thank you...
I always have a great experience when I come here, the staff is wonderful and I would not change my dental office for anything in the world.. Jessica is amazing...
I had a great experience with Dr. Dmitry Gorbatov. He was able to save my tooth from getting a root canal. All the staff was really nice, and attentive. I...
I had been looking for a dentist for a few months and I was referred to Dr. Gorbatov and I can certainly see why. I've always been a little skeptical...
S u p e r b ...Immaculate dentistry! I was impressed with a GREAT attention to details! His work is truly an ART and priceless! Everyone in the office is...
I've been looking for a good dentist since So. FL lacks them. Not anymore, great professional services, and best of all, you will find a personal touch. You will truly...
Good quality office, and dental work.
Love Dr. Gorbatov! He is skilled, professional, thorough, nice, and always keeps me comfortable. The assistants and office staff are great too. I highly recommend Dr. Gorbatov!
For me, dental work always came with the presumption of pain and discomfort. That's why it was always very difficult to get any recommended work done, because all I'd have...
I take my 90yr great grandmother to this office and they are so kind and she feels so loved here. Every visit she receives excellent service and quality work. Thank...
I would like say that this office is at the TOP of my list. The staff is awesome, it is very clean and you made at home as soon as...
Excellent service , friendly & professional !!!
I are retired dentist and visit dr Gorbatov,s office like a patien for dental works. We graduate the same school New York university and l can tell you the dr...
The receptionist goes above and be on for the customers. Excellent service the doctor treats you with all his attention feels like I’m right at home and explain everything detailed....
Very impressed with Dr. Gorbatov's ethics. He truly cared about my situation, the fact that I was from another city and had limited time off of work to address my...
The dentist fit me in last minute when my normal dentist was unavailable I tried them on the recommendation of a friend after I broke a veneer and had 3...
Very high professionalism, excellent atmosphere and responsiveness of employees have made this business one of the best. A well-functioning team led by one of the best professionals of the US...
I recommend this place to anyone that needs any type of dental work done , I always feel welcome from the moment i sign in untill my visit is over...
What a great experience at the dentist!! I wish I had found these guys years ago, maybe I wouldn't be so afraid of the dentist. Thought I needed a root...
I have lived and worked all over North America. One of the greatest challenges of relocating is finding the best dental practice. "Center For Dental Excellence" was recommended to me...
Wonderful facility and staff, very professional.
Wonderful service