This is an article I have written about basic dental health for wind musicians. It will also be available in the Teaching/Publications section.
Disclaimer: if your teeth are doing well and your dentist says so, please do not make any changes. Only do so after checking with your dentist first. Don’t mess with a good thing! But if you need a little help, this may help you. The person who showed me how to brush here is a qualified professional, so you can rest assured that this is one qualified person’s take. Thank you.
So, last time I got my teeth cleaned, my hygienist taught me a new way to brush my teeth. Since I have been brushing this way, I have noticed a reduction in tartar and my gums look better.
Obviously, for wind-playing musicians, and honestly anyone, taking care of your teeth is extremely important. However, there is unfortunately not always as much information or discussion about this topic as there might need to be, particularly in the musical community, so I am sharing this with hopes that it will help someone out there.
Here is the video:
Brush your teeth twice a day, floss at night before bed, and get your teeth cleaned every six months. Get X-rays every 2-4 years or so to make sure everything is cool. Try to do your first brushing session immediately after your first meal; this prevents a lot of plaque from calcifying on your teeth and keeps them cleaner and healthier. And don’t brush too hard; be gentle.
There is a learning curve to taking care of your teeth. Almost every day, I feel like I learn something new about it, whether it’s the amount of pressure to use on each individual tooth when brushing, my flossing technique, brushing technique, and much more. Try not to be discouraged; it’s not as easy as many people make it out to be, but keep doing your best every day, and you will see results.
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