Creating A More Beautiful Smile

Don't Make These 5 Brushing Mistakes

It is common knowledge that twice a day brushing is one of the best ways to maintain good oral health. However, is it possible that you're doing it all wrong? Brushing your teeth might seem like a simple enough task, but it's easier to make mistakes than you think. Here are five common toothbrushing mistakes you need to avoid:

Brushing Too Hard

Removing plaque from your teeth shouldn't require much force. In fact, if you brush your pearly whites too aggressively, you could damage the enamel. When you are brushing your teeth, make sure to do it in gentle, circular motions to avoid wearing down your enamel.

Not Brushing Long Enough

When you are brushing your teeth, don't rush. If you do, you won't be able to remove all the plaque and bacteria. It's recommended to brush your teeth for a full two minutes. If you have trouble remembering to brush your teeth that long, you should set a two-minute timer on your smartphone.

Not Changing Your Toothbrush

A toothbrush doesn't last forever. If you use the same toothbrush too long, the bristles can get frayed and won't be able to remove plaque from your teeth as effectively. It's important to switch your toothbrush at least every three months.

Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces

Although your front teeth are what people see, they shouldn't be the only teeth you pay attention to. It's equally as important to thoroughly brush your inner tooth surfaces and your molars. If you often skip these areas, you can put yourself at risk of cavities and other oral health problems and have to visit an emergency dentist.

Not Brushing Your Tongue

If you are like many, you probably have not given much thought to cleaning your tongue. However, your tongue can accumulate a lot of food particles and bacteria throughout the day, which can transfer to your teeth. That is why it is important to brush your tongue from front to back with your toothbrush every morning. A tongue scraper is also an effective tool for removing plaque from your tongue.

As you can see, it is possible to make several mistakes with your toothbrush. If you make an effort to avoid these common mistakes, your teeth will be better for it. When you visit your dentist next time for a checkup, he will be impressed at how well you have been taking care of your teeth.


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