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.
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.
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