Most common teeth brushing mistakes
For most of us, brushing our teeth is a deep-rooted habit which we perform almost subconsciously. But as with any habit, it is easy to become shoddy in our daily routine. Slacking on brushing properly, however, can lead to a number of serious oral health issues if left unchecked, including cavities and gum disease.
Here are some of the most common teeth brushing mistakes people commonly make, so you know exactly what to avoid.
Not using the right toothbrush
Using the wrong toothbrush is a very frequent slip-up. When picking a brush, it’s important to consider the size of your mouth. If you’re straining to open wide enough to get the brush in, then it’s probably too big.
The more comfortable and natural the brush feels in your mouth and hand, the more likely it is that you will use it properly. Experts agree: a person who brushes well with a manual toothbrush will have just as good oral health as a person who brushes well with an electric.
Not brushing long enough
We’re taught from a young age that softly brushing twice for two minutes is the recommended minimum time to spend on teeth brushing each day.
However, leaving too much time between brushings can also lead to a build-up of bacterial plaque, increasing the risk of gum disease and other problems.
Most people regularly fall short in both areas. The two minute guideline is an arbitrary number, but it’s used to ensure that people take enough time to clean all the surfaces of their teeth. A good tip for keeping track of teeth brushing, and to make sure every area has been thoroughly covered, is to divide the mouth into four equal sections and spend at least 30 seconds on each area.
Brushing too often or too hard
While brushing your teeth three times a day is ideal, more could actually damage your teeth.
Excessive brushing can expose the root of the tooth to irritation, in turn leading to irritation of the gums. Too much vigorous brushing can also erode tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of the tooth. The trick to good teeth brushing is to brush very gently for two to three minutes.
Though it may sometimes feel like a chore, brushing our teeth is an essential part of our daily lives to ensure we maintain healthy teeth and gums. And a few minutes a day is a small price to pay for good oral health.
