Prophix Blog

On average, we probably brush our teeth around 700 times a year. No wonder we form habits that are hard to change! Brushing mindlessly is certainly tempting, given how often you do it. But paying a little more attention to your oral health care routine can lead to long-term benefits.

Ask yourself these simple questions about your brushing habits to help you work toward a more thoughtful, tailored routine in 2017!

1) How hard am I brushing?
If you’re using a lot of force, ease up! Plaque is loose and soft and does not need to be scrubbed away. Too much pressure batters your gums and wears enamel down over time. Place your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gumline, apply enough pressure to feel the bristles against your gums, and use gentle circular motions rather than vigorously “sawing” back and forth.

2) How long am I brushing?
To see lasting results, brush two times a day for two minutes each time. Don’t be tempted to rush through it! If you are, try a musical solution: make a playlist of favorite two-minute songs and play one for the length of each routine.

3) What tools am I using?
Adding a few new tools to your regular arsenal can really step up your game. Using interchangeable attachments on an electric toothbrush (like Prophix) go a long way toward tackling issues that are specific to your mouth. For example:

• Polish stubborn coffee, tea, or wine stains with a prophy cup.
• Invigorate gums with a rubber tip.
• Keep plaque at bay between dentist visits with a rubber scaler.

Not only do new tools help you customize your oral care, they also help banish boredom, making your daily routine more mindful and powerful.