Brushing your teeth regularly is the first step in maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine. However, it’s not as straightforward as it seems. There are many common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth. Here are seven of them.
Brushing Too Hard
Many people think you must brush hard to get all the plaque and bacteria off your teeth. While you need to apply pressure, it’s essential not to brush too hard. Brushing too hard can wear down the enamel on your teeth. It can also hurt your gums and make teeth sensitive.
Rushing the Process
Rushing when brushing teeth leads to a host of problems. People are more likely to miss critical areas or not use proper brushing techniques when in a hurry. They’re more likely to brush too hard, damaging teeth and gums. Instead, take your time to ensure adequate brushing.
Using the Wrong Angle
When brushing, people should hold their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to help remove plaque along the gumline. This helps get in hard-to-reach areas and ensures more plaque is removed. Keeping your toothbrush straight instead of at an angle usually misses a lot of built-up bacteria.
Not Brushing Everywhere
Brushing the inside of your mouth when brushing your teeth is essential. Gently brush the inside of the cheeks, and brush the tongue gently until it looks clean. Everyone should do this in addition to brushing their teeth and gums.
Using the Wrong Brush
Using the correct toothbrush is essential to good oral hygiene. A toothbrush should have firm bristles that are soft enough. However, they should be flexible, not firm. Overly firm bristles can damage the teeth and gums.
Not Replacing Brushes
A toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months, on average. However, you may need to replace it sooner. Replace a toothbrush anytime you notice the bristles show significant signs of wear or are too soft to do a good job.
Eating Acidic Foods
It’s well-known that acidic foods can harm your teeth. Unfortunately, this has led to many people brushing as soon as they eat them. Acidic foods can make the enamel on your teeth softer. Brushing immediately after eating them can cause more wear and tear to teeth. Instead, wait half an hour to brush your teeth.
Regular dentist visits are essential to maintaining proper oral hygiene. However, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 12% of adults aged 20 to 64 haven’t seen a dentist in five years. Don’t let yourself be a part of this number. Contact us today at Bright Side Dental to schedule an appointment.