6 Brushing Mistakes to Avoid

Religiously following an oral care routine is vital for healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Brushing twice a day plays an important role in maintaining a good oral hygiene. It helps prevent cavities and saves you from tooth decay. In spite of practicing the ritual of brushing twice daily, you may still harm your oral hygiene by making common brushing mistakes.

Yes, brushing your teeth is not as easy as you may have been thinking. So next time you brush, keep in mind these frequented brushing mistakes to avoid.

1. Using an Old Toothbrush

For how long have you been using your toothbrush? If you can’t remember and it has been too long, you need to replace that toothbrush now! A toothbrush lasts for about 3-4months. After that the bristles start bending and become frayed, failing to clean our teeth properly. Most of the people have no knowledge of this and keep using their brush for too long. So if you have been using it for longer than this period, it is time for you to buy a new one.

2. Brush Adequately

Two minutes is the recommended time for brushing teeth. If you are brushing your teeth for less than that, you aren’t brushing correctly. It is equally important to register that brushing more than 3 times a day can be harmful. Too much brushing can erode the enamel and damage your gums. Twice or maximum thrice a day is more than enough for healthy teeth.

3. Brushing Technique

Brushing back and forth is quite common, but brushing in a circular motion is actually the right way to brush your teeth. Circular motions are gentle and effective at overall cleaning of your teeth. Another mistake often made is brushing too hard. Rough strokes result in the scraping of the soft tissue between the teeth and gum lining. Use a light touch and create circular motions to achieve healthy teeth.

4. Tongue Cleaning

It is important to clean your tongue after brushing your teeth to get rid of bacteria and bad breath. Cleaning your tongue is essential for a good oral hygiene.

5. Go for Soft Bristles

Selecting a brush with the right type of bristles is an important part of brushing your teeth. Hard bristles tend to scrape the enamel and hurt your gums. Soft bristles are enough to get rid of particles stuck between your teeth and let the toothpaste do rest of the work.

6. Toothbrush Storage

Storing and keeping your toothbrush clean has a great impact on your oral health. Keeping your toothbrush in the bathroom is not a great idea. Germs from the toilet or sink can come in contact with it. Don’t let toothbrushes touch each other if they are stored together. Sharing your toothbrush is also a bad idea, as it makes you vulnerable to several oral health issues.

Keeping in mind these brushing mistakes to avoid can lead you to a strong oral health. While the importance of regular dental check-ups cannot be overlooked, these measures can help you avoid severe dental issues. Consult a dental service provider to guide you towards healthy teeth and bright smile.