You know you need to brush your teeth twice a day in order to keep your mouth healthy. You also probably know that you should remember to brush your tongue since bad bacteria can nestle there as well. But what about the inside of your cheeks? Is that something you should be brushing too? Here’s what you need to know about brushing the insides of your cheeks.
To Brush or Not to Brush
It may sound strange, but many people recommend brushing the insides of your cheeks! They also recommend taking care of the roof of your mouth as well. This follows the same line of thinking as why you should brush your tongue. Essentially, by doing so you’re keeping the whole mouth fresh since food particles and odor-causing bacteria can make their home on the sides of your cheeks too.
How to Brush the Insides of Your Cheeks
If you’re brushing the insides of your cheeks, it’s important that you do so very gently. Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but your cheeks are far more vulnerable. You don’t want to cause any damage there with aggressive brushing. You can use a circular brushing motion like you do with your teeth and tongue. Another gentle way to clean the insides of your cheeks is to rinse with a mouthwash to clean away any bacteria that may be residing there. When choosing a mouthwash, look for the ADA-approved symbol, which means the product has been vetted by the American Dental Association.
Preventive Care at Pleasanton Children’s Dentistry & Braces
Prevention is the key to maintaining good oral health. We look forward to seeing your children twice a year for dental exams and cleanings. Need some extra tips on how to brush or floss properly? Or maybe you have other dental questions? Pleasanton Children’s Dentistry & Braces is there to give you the answers you need! Feel free to call or email your local dental practice in Pleasanton, and a member of our friendly, hardworking team will be with you shortly. It’s not just our job but our passion to help our community achieve bright, healthy smiles!
