Avoid These 6 Common Tooth Brushing Mistakes
Posted on: 31 March 2015
We all know that brushing our teeth is incredibly important, but it's such a normal part of our lives that we can often get lazy, forgetting to brush correctly or hanging onto a certain toothbrush for too long. Make sure that you're cleaning your teeth as well as possible by avoiding the mistakes listed below.
Choosing the Wrong Brush
Brushing correctly starts with buying the right toothbrush. Too many people commit errors during this process which makes it impossible for them to adequately clean their teeth. The most important thing to consider is size. If your brush is too small or too large you won't be able clean each tooth correctly.
Holding the Brush Incorrectly
Lots of people make the mistake of holding their brush right above their teeth. Instead, hold it at a 45-degree angle. This will ensure that both your teeth and gum line are cleaned. Make sure to use short, gentle strokes, and then begin to move the brush circularly around each tooth.
Missing Certain Areas
It's easy to spend too much time brushing your front teeth. Not only are they easier to reach, they're also the ones which people worry about most. However, remember not to neglect certain areas; back teeth, the inside of teeth, and the back of your front teeth are areas which are commonly missed.
Stopping too Soon
Most people know they should spend about 2 minutes brushing their teeth, but that doesn't mean that most people actually do it. In fact, the average time we spend brushing our teeth is around 45-70 seconds. This means that certain teeth aren't getting the attention they deserve. Make sure you spend enough time brushing by spending 30 seconds on each quadrant of your teeth, counting slowly to 30 in your head to make sure you stay on track.
Forgetting to Rinse
Unfortunately, there are still mistakes which can be made once brushing has finished. If you aren't doing so already, ensure that you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after brushing is completed. The same bacteria which causes cavities and bad breath, and which you've just removed from your teeth, can easily grow on a toothbrush which hasn't be properly cleaned. Rinse yours thoroughly to remove any food debris and caked on toothpaste.
Keeping the Same Toothbrush
Whilst most of us fail to brush our teeth for long enough, we're still happy to hold onto our toothbrushes far longer than recommended. However well you rinse your toothbrush, food particles and bacteria will steadily accumulate, so replace yours every three months or so. Follow the same timeframe when changing the head of an electric toothbrush.
Make these changes today, and your teeth will be healthier in the long run. For more suggestions, contact resources such as Alexander Drive Dental Clinic.
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