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8 Toothbrushing Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Teeth

Dec 11, 2017
8 Toothbrushing Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Teeth
It is common knowledge by now that you are supposed to brush your teeth twice a day. However, just because you brush your teeth on a regular basis, does not mean that you are doing it correctly. Brushing your teeth may seem like a simple concept,...

It is common knowledge by now that you are supposed to brush your teeth twice a day. However, just because you brush your teeth on a regular basis, does not mean that you are doing it correctly. Brushing your teeth may seem like a simple concept, but it is more common than you think to make mistakes.

Here are eight common toothbrushing mistakes that could hurt your teeth.

1. YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH IN A HURRY

Many dentists agree that people do not brush their teeth as long as they need to. They may be in a rush to get to work in the morning or want to get to bed, so they cut the process short. Unfortunately, if you do not brush your teeth long enough, they will not get clean and are susceptible to cavities. No matter how rushed you are, remember to brush your teeth for two to three minutes.

If you have trouble remembering to brush your teeth for that long, set a timer on your smartphone.

2. YOU ARE TOO ROUGH WITH YOUR TEETH

Another common mistake that people make is brushing their teeth with too much force. Brushing your teeth aggressively won't remove the plaque any better. It will, in fact, wear down the enamel of your teeth, making them more sensitive. To avoid hurting your teeth, brush them with a softbristle toothbrush in gentle, circular motions.

3. YOU SKIP YOUR INNER TOOTH SURFACES

When brushing your pearly whites, don't neglect your inner tooth surfaces. These surfaces may not be visible like your front teeth, but they still need to be cleaned properly. If you regularly skip the surfaces your tongue presses against, you can increase your risk of cavities.

4. YOU BECOME TOO ATTACHED TO YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

Toothbrushes aren't meant to be kept around forever. Over time, a toothbrush can become frayed and won't be able to clean your teeth effectively. Bacteria can also accumulate on a toothbrush if you keep it around too long. To avoid issues with your teeth, don't forget to replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

5. NOT BRUSHING YOUR TONGUE

Food particles and bacteria don't just accumulate on your teeth. They can also build up on your tongue throughout the day. If you don't remove the bacteria on your tongue, it can transfer to your teeth and gums. After you brush your teeth in the morning, use that same toothbrush to gently scrape the bacteria off your tongue.

6. STARTING AT THE SAME SPOT EVERY TIME

When you brush your teeth, it is not a good idea to start in the same spot every time. This can make you lazy and skip brushing other areas. For example, if you started brushing your front teeth this morning, brush your molars first tomorrow.

7. USING A HARD BRISTLE TOOTHBRUSH

If you are still using a hard bristle toothbrush, it is time to get rid of it. Toothbrushes with hard bristles can wear down the enamel of your teeth over time. To prevent unnecessary damage to your teeth, brush them with a soft bristle toothbrush.

8. BRUSHING YOUR TEETH RIGHT AFTER EATING A MEAL

If you brush your teeth too soon after eating a meal, it can push the acids further into your teeth and damage the enamel. Wait at least 30 minutes after a meal to brush your teeth. If you have an icky taste in your mouth, just gargle with water for 30 seconds.

If you avoid making these common toothbrushing mistakes, your teeth will be better off. If you have any more questions about brushing techniques, you may want to contact Affordable Dental Care.