Mistake #1 To Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth
USING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH FOR TOO LONG
After a couple of months of daily use, bacteria and food particles begin to accumulate in the bristles of the toothbrush. Also, if you’re consistent about brushing your teeth, you’ve noticed that in that time frame, the bristles are worn out and frayed. When those bristles are frayed, they won’t be as effective in cleaning your teeth and gums.
Mistake #2 To Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth
NOT BRUSHING YOUR TEETH LONG ENOUGH
The average person only brushes their teeth for 45 seconds. This is a mistake because anything shorter than 2 minutes doesn’t give the fluoride in your toothpaste enough time to work into your tooth enamel. You can boost your time brushing if you remember to be more throughout. Get the tops, outside and inside of every single tooth and soon you’ll be over that 2-minute time-frame, and your teeth will thank you for it!
Mistake #3 To Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth
USING INCORRECT MOTION AND TECHNIQUE
Make sure to brush your teeth in circles – it’s more gentle AND more effective. Also, make sure you’re brushing your gum line. Make sure you’re hitting both with your brush. This is the fastest and most effective way to clean your teeth.
Mistake #4 To Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth
STORING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH NEAR YOUR TOILET
A study was recently published stating that more than half of the toothbrushes in households have bits of human feces on them. Their exact words: “toothbrushes stored openly in the bathroom are especially vulnerable to contamination with material from the toilet or contamination from other occupants.” Try storing your toothbrush someplace other than your bathroom – like on your nightstand or inside your medicine cabinet. The same study cites that covers actually create a moist environment for a longer period, so open air is still best. But maybe close the lid on your toilet seat before flushing.
Mistake #5 To Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth
FORGETTING TO CLEAN YOUR TONGUE
Consider buying a tongue cleaner for your oral health. It scrapes the residual bacteria off your tongue. Another option is to purchase and use a toothbrush with a built-in tongue cleaner on the back. If neither of those is up your alley, you CAN use the actual bristles of your toothbrush to help get that bacteria off your tongue for a healthier mouth. It takes only a few moments, but can really make a difference in your overall mouth health. Every time you brush your teeth, you should brush your tongue.
What About You?
Did you learn anything from this list? Do you enjoy reading oral health tips on the Integrity Dental Blog? What should we write on next? If you are looking for a dentist in the Pueblo, Colorado area, please call us at (719) 745-5565 and set up a consultation today. We offer a wide range of services to children and adults. We would love to serve you and your family’s dental health needs! You can also email us here!