What You Should Know About Proper Tooth Brushing
You have been brushing teeth since you were a kid and then somebody tells you you’ve been doing it the wrong way. Don’t worry. Many people are on the same boat as you. Better pay heed and find out if you’ve been doing it improperly. Otherwise, there’s nothing to worry about. See if your brushing techniques and habits fall into any one of these blunders.
You are brushing too hard. Aggressive brushing is a mistake many people make. They think that it leaves teeth cleaner. When you brush too hard, it can erode the first layer of the teeth, called the enamel, weakening it and making it prone to brittleness in the long run. Aggressive tooth brushing is a leading contributor of sensitive teeth. It can also damage the soft gums, causing irritation, cuts and breaks.
You are using the wrong toothbrush. An important feature of a toothbrush is the bristles that remove the bacteria, and loosen plaque from your teeth and gums. Choosing a toothbrush with hard bristles can wear down your tooth structure. Soft bristles can clean teeth more effectively.
You are not brushing long enough. Many people don’t take even a minute brushing their teeth, like the routine is something you get over faster the better. Take enough time to brush your teeth properly and thoroughly. It is advisable to spend at least 2 minutes every time you brush – and you should be brushing your teeth twice daily..
You don’t floss correctly. The rightful brushing should also be accompanied by dental flossing every day for complete removal of the plaque in between teeth as well as cleaning of the tongue.
You don’t change your toothbrush regularly. It is recommended to change to a new toothbrush every 3 months or sooner when the bristles are starting to fray already. You will be unable to properly remove plaque and food particles with an overused brush. Besides, keeping it too long can harbor more grime and bacteria that you will spread over all your mouth instead.
More Tooth Brushing Tips in Bellingham
Learn more about good tooth brushing tips and techniques at Tetrick Family Dentistry. Make an appointment this week to keep your mouth healthy!