As routine as it may be for many of us, very few of us actually brush our teeth properly. Thankfully, where there are mistakes, there are ways to fix them.
Here are six of the biggest mistakes we make everyday brushing our teeth.
1. You use the wrong brush.
How do you choose from the huge selection of brushes?
The first rule of thumb is to make sure your brush can cover the places that need covering. That’s everywhere you should be able to reach with a toothbrush. It can be a power toothbrush or a manual one. The size of the brush’s head is important, too, especially if you have a smaller mouth. Brushes also have various sizes of handles and different angles. Some are more flexible than others.
Also, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. They are gentler on your gums. Hard bristles can wear down your tooth structure.
Look for the American Dental Association seal of approval on your new brush, too.
(RELATED: How to Get Rid of Bad Breath When You Don’t Have a Toothbrush Handy)
2. You brush too hard.
When it comes to brushing, harder isn’t better. Plaque is soft and loose, so you don’t have to scrub. Think of brushing your teeth as more of a “massage” than a hard scrub.
3. You rush.
You should brush at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time.
4. You never change your toothbrush.
When you find a good toothbrush, it’s sometimes hard to give it up. But when you see changes in the bristles — when they become discolored, bent, or dirty looking — it’s time to toss it.
Toothbrushes lose their powers when the bristles become frayed. So change it at least every 3 to 4 months.
5. You forget the gum line.
Brushing your teeth, it turns out, means brushing your whole tooth. Or at least everything you can get to with your brush. And that includes just under the gum.
How do you do that? Brush at a 45-degree angle against the gumline, then go for the rest of the tooth, with strokes that roll up and down.
Tilt the brush up and down to get the inside of your front teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too. That’ll get rid of bacteria.
(RELATED: Yes, Toothbrushing in the Shower is a Thing. But Should You Do It?)
6. You brush at the wrong time.
It’s tempting, sometimes, to immediately go to the restroom to get rid of the remnants of that meal you just ate. While that’s better than not brushing at all, you might want to back off just 15 or 20 minutes. That’s long enough for the saliva in your mouth to do its work on the acid before you dive in.
Is it time for a checkup. Contact us today — call at (626) 624-4030 or make an appointment.
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THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently situated with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we offer most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures, complete dental rebuilding and TMJ/ Headache management. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover affordable up-to-date dentistry and a team who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.
