Common Mistakes Made Whilst Brushing Teeth

It seems like one of the easiest parts of our day – brushing our teeth. It’s something we are taught from a young age and maintain throughout our life. But, have you been doing it wrong? There are various ways you could be brushing your teeth wrong, and we have the tips to fix it.

1. The Wrong Brush

The most daunting task when it comes to brushing your teeth doesn’t lie in the actual process itself, but instead in the selection of your toothbrush. There’s soft, medium, hard, electric, double sided and even singing toothbrushes in the market. It’s difficult to know which is best for you.

There are a few pointers to keep in mind when making your selection. One is to make sure that it fits your mouth and can reach all areas, and the second is to make sure that the bristles are soft. Harder bristles can be harsh on the gums and enamel of the teeth. Your toothbrush should also be replaced every 3-4 months.

2. The Forgotten Gums

Bacteria seems to most often form around the space between the gum and tooth, and this area is often overlooked in the brushing routine. Try to ensure that you reach the space right underneath the gum, and focus on it as you would the chewing surface of the tooth.

To do this, make sure that you brush both the side closest to your lips, but also the side that is closest to the tongue.

3. You Brush Too Soon

Some people are in a rush, and because of this they tend to brush straight after a meal. For some foods, it’s better to wait up to 20 minutes before brushing your teeth to ensure that you’re allowing the saliva enough time to process any acid that is left over. If you go in whilst the acid is still settling, it can actually cause more harm than good.

4. You Brush Once

To maintain optimal oral health, you do need to brush twice daily for 2 minutes each time. You need to ensure that also in at least one or both of those times you are flossing to remove the food caught between teeth and maintain healthy gums.

If you need any further assistance in the correct care of your mouth, or what you should be including in your specific dental routine, ask a professional today.