Everyone needs to brush at least twice a day to properly clean their teeth. While this is fairly common knowledge, there are a few teeth-brushing tips that not everyone follows. When you know about common mistakes, you can make changes to improve your dental health.
Using an Old Brush
To get the best results, you need to have the proper tools. This includes having a quality toothbrush. Over time, your toothbrush will get worn out. The bristles wear down and become less effective. If the bristles are starting to spread, that is a clear sign that you need a new one. Using an old toothbrush means you aren’t able to brush your teeth well. It will be harder to get the plaque off your teeth and you’re at a higher risk of cavities and other dental issues. You should be replacing your brush at least every 3 months or sooner if your brush appears to be worn out.
Not Brushing for Long Enough
In addition to using the right brush, you also need to make sure you’re brushing for the right amount of time. Quickly running your brush over your teeth will hardly benefit you. You should brush your teeth for two full minutes to make sure you get all the debris and bacteria. Take your time as you brush and spend focused time on each part of your mouth. Many people neglect the molars and backs of teeth. You also want to make sure you brush your tongue and even the roof of your mouth. Spending more time brushing means you’re being thorough and scrubbing away debris.
Brushing Right After Eating
Once you finish a meal, it might make sense to brush your teeth and get rid of the food debris. However, this can be detrimental to your oral health. After eating, your saliva contains more acid to break down your food. When you brush your teeth immediately after eating, you end up rubbing this acid into the enamel of your teeth. This is very bad for your teeth and can damage the enamel. Instead, you should wait 30-60 minutes after eating before you brush your teeth.
When it comes to your oral health, there is a lot you need to keep in mind. It’s common for people to make mistakes when brushing their teeth. Now that you know what mistakes to avoid, you can make positive changes to your teeth brushing routine.
Check out this article on why you should visit the dentist if you haven’t gone recently!