You have been brushing your teeth most of your life, but what if you have been doing it wrong? Most people would be surprised to learn that the way they brush isn’t removing all the plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Here are the common mistakes made while brushing your teeth and how to fix it.
Using the Wrong Brush
Choose a toothbrush with soft or ultra-soft bristles that can gently get down under the gum line. Hard or medium bristles have the potential to harm your teeth and gums. Plaque is soft and can easily be removed with a soft brush. Compact brush heads do a better job of helping you access those hard-to-reach and hard-to-see molars.
Not Brushing Long Enough
The recommended time for brushing is two minutes twice a day. Most people fall short without realizing it. Use an electric toothbrush that beeps when you’ve reached two minutes, an egg timer or a phone timer to make sure your brushing long enough.
Using the Wrong Technique
Do not scrub your teeth with a lot of pressure. That can harm your teeth enamel and gums. Plaque is a sticky but soft bacterial film that doesn’t need hard pressure to remove. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle -upward for your top teeth and downward for your bottom teeth- so the bristles clean under the gum line where plaque can hide. Unless your using an electric toothbrush, you should gently brush your teeth in small circles.
Ignoring the Rest of Your Mouth
Your tongue houses food and bacteria on the back of the tongue. Use you brush to get rid of this and improve your breath as well.
Not Replacing Your Toothbrush
Your brush should be replaced every 3-4 months or when the bristles become worn. If you’ve been sick, replace immediately to prevent re-infection!
Brushing your teeth correctly can prevent tooth decay. Having your teeth cleaned by New Town Dentistry twice a year ensures that your teeth will stay healthy.
