Brushing your pearly whites involves being mindful of your technique and using the right equipment for the job. Taking the time to brush your smile with care, you are protecting your teeth (and gums) from tooth decay and gum disease. To support you in your efforts, Dr. [doctor_name] and our [practice_name] team in [city], [state], are pleased to share these brushing tips:

— Make sure the brush you use is the right size for your mouth, you want to make sure it fits comfortably in your hand and in your mouth.

— Make sure to use the softest bristle’s you can to get the job done. 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.

— 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.

You can use these brushing tips to brighten your smile. It’s easy with the right tools and application. Be sure to keep up your daily brushing and flossing routine, and maintain regular dental cleanings and checkups. To boost your smile for the holidays, please call [phone] today. Dr. [doctor_name] and our team at [practice_name] in [city], [state], wish you a healthy, confident smile this holiday season!