You’ve probably been told a million times that brushing your teeth is important, and for good reason! Not only does it keep your pearly whites clean and healthy, but it can also help prevent cavities and other dental problems down the road.
However, if you’re not doing it correctly, you could be doing more harm than good. In this article, we will discuss 10 common mistakes people make while brushing their teeth and how to avoid them.
#1 – Using Your Toothbrush for Too Long
You might not think that the length of time you spend brushing your teeth has any impact on your oral health, but it actually does.
Over time, toothbrushes wear down and become less effective at cleaning your teeth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
If you’re using an electric toothbrush, you should replace the head of the brush every three to four months as well.
#2 – Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard
When you brush your teeth, you should use gentle, circular motions.
Scrubbing your teeth too hard can actually damage your enamel and lead to gum recession.
If you’re not sure if you’re brushing too hard, ask your dentist or hygienist for a demonstration at your next appointment.
They can also give you a special toothbrush with softer bristles.
#3 – Not Brushing Your Teeth Long Enough
One of the most common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth is not brushing for long enough.
The American Dental Association recommends that you brush for at least two minutes, twice a day.
However, most people only brush for an average of 45 seconds.
If you’re not sure how long two minutes is, try setting a timer on your phone or using a stopwatch.
Brushing for two minutes may seem like a lot, but it’s really not that long when you think about it.
#4 – Rinsing with Water Immediately After Brushing
Another common mistake is rinsing your mouth with water immediately after brushing.
Many people think that rinsing with water will help to remove any leftover toothpaste from their teeth.
However, this is not the case.
Rinsing with water immediately after brushing actually removes the fluoride from the toothpaste, which can protect your teeth from cavities.
So, avoid rinsing with water immediately after brushing and just Spit, don’t rinse!
#5 – Not Using Dental Floss
Not using dental floss is one of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to oral hygiene.
Dental floss is important because it helps to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth, which your toothbrush can’t reach.
If you don’t floss, you’re missing out on cleansing a large surface area of your mouth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.
So, make sure to floss at least once a day!
Did you know that there are actually different types of dental floss?
You can choose from waxed or unwaxed, flavored or unflavoured, etc.
#6 – Using A Hard Bristle Toothbrush
While it might feel like the harder bristles are getting your teeth cleaner, they can actually be damaging to your gums and tooth enamel.
Hard bristles can cause your gums to bleed and recede, so it’s best to stick to a soft or medium bristle brush.
To get the most effective clean, look for a toothbrush with bristles that are rounded at the ends.
These will be gentle on your gums and effective at removing plaque.
#7 – Storing Your Toothbrush In The Bathroom
Your toothbrush is a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s important to store it in a clean, dry place.
The bathroom is often humid and full of germs, so it’s not the ideal spot to keep your toothbrush.
Instead, try storing it in a drawer or cupboard.
And be sure to give it a good rinse before using it again.
If you must store your toothbrush in the bathroom, be sure to keep it in a closed cabinet.
This will help to protect it from bacteria and other contaminants.
#8 – You’re Not Cleaning Your Tongue
Your tongue can harbor just as much bacteria as your teeth.
So be sure to give it a good scrub with your toothbrush.
A tongue scraper can also be effective at removing bacteria and debris from your tongue.
Just be sure to use it gently, as you don’t want to damage the delicate tissue.
#9 – Using Incorrect Brushing Technique And Motion
When it comes to brushing your teeth, you want to use a soft, gentle circular motion.
You also want to be sure to brush the front, top, and back of each tooth.
And don’t forget to brush your tongue!
Using too much pressure or scrubbing too hard can damage your teeth and gums.
It can also lead to tooth sensitivity.
So take it easy on those pearly whites.
If you’re not sure you’re using the correct technique, ask your dentist or hygienist for a demonstration.
They will be more than happy to show you the proper way to brush your teeth.
#10 – Brushing Teeth More Than Twice A Day
You may think that brushing your teeth more than twice a day is a good thing.
After all, the more you brush, the cleaner your teeth will be, right?
Wrong!
Brushing your teeth more than twice a day can actually do more harm than good.
It can lead to gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
So stick to brushing twice a day, and your teeth will thank you for it.
Conclusion
Although it is important to brush your teeth regularly, there are some mistakes that you should avoid in order to protect your oral health.
By following the tips we’ve outlined above, you can make sure that you are brushing your teeth correctly and keeping them healthy for years to come! Have you made any of these common brushing mistakes?
