Brush the Right Way

Ever since you were a child, you’ve been brushing your teeth (hopefully). So by now, you should be an expert, right? However, what if I told you that, like many, you’ve probably been brushing your teeth the wrong way for years. There are numerous issues that dentists like me could point out in the average person’s oral healthcare routine, but I’ve decided to highlight 5 of the most common and surprising mistakes made when brushing. Read on to learn about these pitfalls as well as the simple ways you can fix them!

#1. You’re Brushing Too Hard

You may think that the harder you brush, the more you clean; however, forceful brushing can actually hurt your teeth more than help them. Scrubbing your teeth rigorously can scrape, scratch, and damage your healthy enamel. Plus, it can cause gum recession by hurting the tissue surrounding your teeth. The good news is that plaque is soft, so it can be easily cleaned away without any hard scrubbing. Furthermore, think of brushing your teeth as a massage – smooth circular motions instead of harsh cleaning.

#2. You’re Using the Wrong Toothbrush

When I notice a patient at my office struggling with their at-home care, one of the first questions I ask is, “What kind of brush are you using?” With all the options at the store, it’s no surprise that many people aren’t using the right toothbrush. Instead of choosing a product based on looks, or a recommendation from a friend, pick a brush that works for you. No two smiles are the same, so find one that fits comfortably in your unique mouth. Additionally, make sure that it has soft bristles so you’re not damaging your smile. If you have trouble handling a toothbrush, it may be a good idea to try an electric one – it does most of the work for you!

#3. You Don’t Replace Your Brush Enough

Everyone loves to save money, but your toothbrush is nothing to stretch beyond its best by date. It should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, or when you start to notice frayed bristles. A pro tip is to buy multiple brushes (or brush heads for electric products) at the same time. That way, when your time is up with your old brush, you have a replacement ready to go!

#4. You Rush

At the end of a long day or hurrying to get to work, too many people zip through brushing as quickly as they can. I know your time is valuable, and your at-home dental care is probably not one of your favorite activities. However, it’s vital that you slow down and brush your teeth for a full two minutes, two times each day to adequately get rid of the bacteria and plaque that can accrue on your teeth. Two minutes may seem long at first, but you can easily achieve this by playing your favorite two-minute song, or just using a timer on your phone. Trust me, your smile is worth it!

#5. You Neglect Your Gums

Your teeth tend to get most of the attention when it comes to your oral health – they’re the main part of your smile and the second physical attribute that people notice during first impressions. However, without healthy gums, you can’t have a healthy smile. That’s why it’s vital to give your gums special attention. Protect your smile by angling your brush at 45-degrees on the gum line to remove pesky plaque and lingering food debris that increase risk of gum disease.

Ready to get the most out of your at-home dental care? Now that you know the common mistakes, you can avoid them and brush like a true pro for a beautiful, healthy smile!