Are You Brushing the Right Way? 5 Common Brushing Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Am I brushing my teeth correctly?
The chances are high that you know you need to brush your teeth. If you’ve read any of our blogs in the past, you know that poor oral hygiene can affect the health of your entire body, but is that all you need to worry about? How do you know if you’re making any brushing mistakes? It is important to ensure you have proper brushing techniques to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. Even small mistakes can impact dental hygiene over time.
So, how do you know if you are doing everything the right way? Don’t worry, we have the answers for you with our five common brushing mistakes and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Brushing Too Hard
When brushing away any hidden bacteria, it’s common to think that you need to use force. After all, if this stuff on your teeth is able to eat through the enamel, don’t you need to scrub a little bit harder? Thankfully, that is not the case. Brushing aggressively damages the enamel and irritates the gums.
The solution is to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and gentle pressure. Trust the toothpaste in the toothbrush to get rid of what’s hiding on the surface! It’s doing more than you might realize—no need to scrub so hard!
Mistake 2: Not Brushing Long Enough
This mistake might be one of the most common ones out there. We humans are rather busy. While you’re brushing your teeth, you’re probably thinking about all the things you need to do as soon as you finish. You take just enough time to make sure you get each tooth, put everything away, and off you go. The thing is, that’s not actually enough. You’re not brushing your teeth for two minutes at a time just to ensure you get each one; you’re brushing for two minutes so that the toothpaste has a chance to do its job as well.
The solution to this problem is to use a timer or an electric toothbrush with one built in. This will make sure you stay in one place for long enough and make sure your teeth get the TLC they deserve.
Mistake 3: Skipping the Gumline
Our gums can be a little picky sometimes. If we ignore them for too long, brushing and flossing near them is not always the most comfortable thing. The solution is—you got it—brushing and flossing more often. When you brush your teeth, you don’t want to avoid those gums. Neglecting that gumline can lead to plaque buildup, which can form behind the gums themselves, creating massive issues in a very short time.
The solution? Try brushing with your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline. This can feel a little bit strange right at first, but the angle will ensure you are getting that area where the gums and the teeth meet. Do this for a couple of days, and you are bound to notice the difference!
Mistake 4: Using an Old or Worn-Out Toothbrush
When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? Was it after you got over that cold last winter? Was it when you saw a pretty one while shopping one day? Or when you got a goodie bag from us after your visit? Whenever you changed it last, there is a high chance that it’s time to replace it again.
Worn bristles are less effective at cleaning away plaque and bacteria. It is best to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, so put it on the calendar! Your teeth will thank you.
Mistake 5: Brushing Right After Eating
Here’s one that might surprise you. Did you know that it is not the best idea to brush your teeth immediately after eating? It’s true that the food we eat makes an impact on our teeth. But, if we are eating foods that are acidic, brushing our teeth immediately afterward can harm our enamel. The acidity in the foods will scrape against the teeth, slowly creating damage.
To help avoid this issue, rinse with water after you eat and try to wait 30 minutes before you brush them. This will allow the pH of your mouth to go back to normal.
Small changes matter.
We aren’t saying that you need to change your entire oral hygiene routine. Small changes can make a big difference in your oral health! One thing is for sure, though. When it comes to taking care of ourselves, there’s always one more thing that we can do just a little bit better.
If anything, one of the best places to start is by scheduling a dental visit here at Lake Pointe Dental Group. We are ready with personalized tips to help your teeth be as healthy as possible! You can set an appointment easily online in only a few clicks. We look forward to seeing you!
