As an adult, you’ve been brushing for so long that you probably don’t consider that you’re making mistakes when brushing your teeth.
A proper tooth brushing is the best way to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Make sure you’re taking care of your mouth by avoiding these mistakes.
Your Brushing Method is Wrong
For whatever reason, a person brushing their teeth is always depicted as brushing their teeth with harsh back and forth motions. In reality, this type of motion can be harsh on the enamel and gums. Instead of scrubbing your teeth like they’re floor tiles, take a gentle approach with your teeth and gums.
Gently brush in slow circles one section at a time while holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. Plaque is soft and easy to brush, but you have to actually hit every area. Don’t just focus on your front teeth but reach far back and brush those molars as well. Be sure to get right up to the gum line, as well.
You Don’t Brush Long Enough
It’s recommended that you take about 2 minutes to brush all of your teeth. We generally tend to rush our oral hygiene habits as we rush to school, work, or just want to get to bed. You can help remind yourself by setting a timer on your phone each time you brush your teeth. Rushing through the process is how you miss key areas, and repeatedly neglecting those areas leads to cavities and gum disease.
You’re Using the Wrong Toothbrush
Many people use hard bristle brushes thinking that it will be more effective at removing plaque. The truth is that soft bristles are more effective due to their ability to flex, bend, and brush hard to reach areas. A soft or extra soft brush is also easier on the gums and avoids accidental bleeding.
Additionally, make sure to replace your toothbrush regularly. Whether it’s due to laziness or not wanting to adjust to a new brush, we let old toothbrushes sit for way too long. The bristles eventually wear out and are no longer effective at keeping your teeth clean.
You Brush Too Soon After Eating
While it’s commendable that you want to actively keep your mouth clean, brushing too soon after eating is a bad idea. There are acids present in your mouth after eating and drinking. Your saliva alone is pretty effective at washing away these chemicals. If you start brushing while the acid is still present, you’re effectively brushing it into the enamel and helping it harm your teeth.
A better way to immediately help your mouth is to drink and swish your mouth out with water. This will help you rid your mouth of food debris and clean those chewing surfaces of excess gunk. Give yourself about 20-30 minutes and then feel free to brush away.
Avoid Brushing Mistakes and Keep Teeth Clean with Stuart Curry Dentistry
Stuart Curry Dentistry is a local dental clinic committed to giving you a clean, healthy smile. We know that many patients think of appointments for a dental check up, cleaning and exam as being cold, uncomfortable, or even painful. That’s why we insist on providing high-quality, pampering care that you won’t find at any other dental facility.
If you’re ready to feel good about your oral hygiene and show off your smile, schedule an appointment with Stuart Curry Dentistry today!
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