Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health, but it’s also easy to make mistakes. Almost everyone has made a mistake when brushing their teeth at some point in their life. In fact, many people are still making these mistakes today! In this blog post, we will discuss the most common tooth brushing mistakes and how to avoid them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to brush your teeth properly so that you can get the most out of this essential daily activity!
Using the Wrong Type of Toothbrush
The most common toothbrushing mistake is using the wrong type of toothbrush. The ideal toothbrush should have soft bristles and should be long enough to reach the back of your mouth. Brushes that have stiff or hard bristles can actually do more damage than good. Additionally, some people may be better off using an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth than manual toothbrushes. They also require less effort, so they are ideal for people with arthritis or other joint problems. If you are using a manual toothbrush, be sure to use the correct brushing technique (see below).
Not Switching Toothbrushes
Another common toothbrushing mistake is not switching toothbrushes often enough. Many people don’t realize that they need to regularly switch out their toothbrush. You should switch toothbrushes every three months, or sooner if the bristles become worn or frayed. Old toothbrushes are less effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth, and they can also increase your risk of developing gum disease.
Using the Wrong Brushing Technique
Many people also brush their teeth using the wrong brushing technique. This can lead to ineffective cleaning and increased plaque build-up in certain places. The correct brushing technique involves using short, circular strokes starting at the gum line and working in the opposite direction away from the gums. Be sure to use a light pressure and avoid brushing too hard, as this can damage your teeth and gums. If your toothbrush has frayed bristles before three months time, then you are likely brushing too hard.
Not Brushing Long Enough
Another common mistake is not brushing for long enough. The American Dental Association notes that you should brush your teeth for two minutes, at least twice a day. If you brush for less than two minutes, you won’t be able to remove all of the plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Spending less than two minutes brushing your teeth likely means that you are either missing places or not effectively removing the plaque from the surface of your teeth.
Missing Certain Places
Another common mistake is missing certain places when brushing your teeth. Many people only brush the front of their teeth, which allows excess plaque to accumulate on the backsides of the teeth. Another commonly missed area is along the gum line. When brushing, be sure to brush the backsides of your teeth and use a 45 degree angle to remove plaque from along the gums.
Brushing at the Wrong Times
Another mistake that many people make is brushing their teeth at the wrong times. You should not brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking anything acidic, as this can actually damage your teeth. This is because lots of acid in the mouth creates an acidic environment in which enamel can be easily eroded. Instead, you should wait about 15-20 minutes after eating before you brush your teeth. This allows your saliva to neutralize the acids. You should also brush your teeth right before bed, as this can decrease the amount of bacteria that sit on your teeth overnight.
Rinsing after Brushing
Finally, many people make the mistake of rinsing their mouth after brushing their teeth. This washes away the toothpaste, which contains valuable fluoride. The fluoride from toothpaste coats your teeth to strengthen the enamel and prevent future decay. However, rinsing decreases the amount of fluoride applied to the teeth. This is why you should spit out the toothpaste, but do not rinse your mouth with water.
In Conclusion
By avoiding these common tooth brushing mistakes, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of this essential oral hygiene daily activity! Brushing your teeth is one of the best ways to maintain good oral health, so be sure to make the most of your brushing routine by avoiding these common tooth brushing mistakes.
