8 Bad Brushing Habits that Harm your Teeth!

Protecting your teeth should be a twice a day habit, but sometimes certain brushing habits can actually hurt teeth. 

By now everyone knows the most important reasons to brush your teeth:  fighting off cavities and preventing bad breathe!  But do you know that brushing the wrong way can actually make you more vulnerable to cavities, tooth decay and gum disease?

Here’s a few common mistake made when brushing that are easily fixed:

Not Brushing for Long Enough

On average, dentists recommend brushing for two to three minutes every morning and night.  Next time you’re brushing, time yourself to see if you’re close to the average.  I bet not!  Whether is morning or night, it’s best to take the extra time and finish the job.

Brushing too Hard is Bad

Tip: If you notice blood in your mouth after you brush, you may be brushing too hard.

Not Paying Attention to What You’re Doing

Do you just brush your teeth just to do it?  It’s a good idea to set up a plan for the next time you brush.  For example, start on the right side of your mouth; first do the top then the bottom.  Next, move to the left side of your mouth; first do the top then the bottom.  This way you know for sure you’ve hit every possible section of teeth.  Remember, plaque, tartar, and bacteria are usually found in the hidden areas of your mouth.  It’s best to work hard in the hard to reach areas before you finish brushing.

Bad Technique

Most people tend to brush in a straight line back and forth over their teeth.  This is effective for the outsider layer of teeth, but you may be missing spots inside areas between teeth.  Focus on specific teeth, moving the brushes in and out of each small space ensuring maximum reach.

Different Brushes make a Difference

Dentists have recommended soft or ultra-soft brushes to minimize abrasive irritation.  Leaving your tooth brush out can leave it susceptible to germs.  It’s important to rinse your tooth brush in hot water after every use.

Which Toothpaste do you Use?

Baking soda based toothpastes are great at brushing away stains on the tooth, but may be hard on enamel.  Whitening toothpastes are another option that works well for both protecting and whitening teeth.

Flossing is Important

Flossing is meant to get to the areas between your teeth that a tooth brush can’t reach.  Most cavities are formed in the spots that are least visible due to plaque buildup.  Just like brushing it’s best to set up a plan of action!  For example, start on the top left portion of your mouth.  Go through every tooth on the top row from left to right.  After you complete the top repeat the same method on the bottom.  This is a simple five minute a day activities that will save you future time and pain at the dentist. 

Rising is the Last Step

Rising is the last and final key step to maintaining healthy teeth.  Rising will wash about all toothpaste and plaque that was scrubbed off your teeth.  Also, a quick swish with germ-killing mouthwash will kill all remaining germs. 

For more interesting information and updates visit our Facebook page Linked HERE!