18 Jul Are You Using These Incorrect Brushing Techniques?
We all brush our teeth at least twice a day, but are we doing it correctly? Here are 7 things you might be doing wrong.
Brushing Too Hard
Avoid brushing your teeth so hard that the bristles bend on your teeth. If you brush your teeth too hard, it can cause gum damage and tooth sensitivity or even loose teeth. Brushing too hard also causes the gum tissue to come away from your teeth, which leads to receding gums.
Brushing in the Wrong Direction
The correct way to brush your teeth is up and down, or in small circles. Many people want to brush their teeth side to side, but circles are gentler on the protective coating of your teeth, and more effective at cleaning the gaps between your teeth. Side to side brushing also can scrape the soft tissue lining between your teeth and gums.
Many also hold the toothbrush at the wrong angle. You should be holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle for the most effective brushing technique.
Not Replacing Your Toothbrush
Your toothbrush’s lifespan is about 3 months, or every 200 uses. If your toothbrush’s bristles are worn out or frayed, then they won’t clean your teeth properly. Bacteria and food particles hide in the small crevices between teeth, and bristles that have been worn out cannot reach them.
Using the Wrong Toothbrush
You should always use a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles. Medium and hard bristles can remove the enamel coating on your teeth. Once enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced, so it’s important to be gentle with your cleaning. Stripping enamel from your teeth can cause sensitivity.
Not Brushing Long Enough
Did you know that the recommended brushing time is 2 minutes? Most of us probably fall short of that. If you aren’t using a timer, you probably don’t realize that you are under-brushing. In fact, the average time most people spend brushing their teeth is just 45 seconds!
Rinsing Your Mouth Out After Brushing
Rinsing your mouth out after brushing your teeth is something you probably do without thinking. But when you rinse your mouth out with water after brushing, it can cut down on the efficiency of the fluoride or other anti-cavity ingredients that are in your toothpaste. If you feel the need to rinse your mouth out after brushing your teeth, use mouthwash instead of water.
Neglecting the Rest of Your Mouth
You should brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Your tongue traps a lot of bacteria and is also a major cause of bad breath. While many of us know we should brush our tongues, we don’t often think to brush the top of our mouths. During your oral care routine, you should make sure to clean every area. And when you do brush your tongue, make sure you scrape it gently. You can purchase a tongue scraper or a toothbrush that has a tongue scraper on the back of it.
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