Because we’ve been brushing our own teeth since we were young, most of us assume we have the hang of it by now. However, you may be making brushing mistakes and not even know it! In order to help you correct any mistakes that may be causing harm to your teeth or your health, we’ve put together a list of the most common brushing mistakes and how to avoid them.
4 Common Brushing Mistakes
Below are 4 of the most common mistakes made when brushing your teeth:
- Sharing a toothbrush – Many people would be surprised at how often families share a toothbrush! It’s a very dangerous habit that can spread germs and even increasing the likelihood of developing dental cavities. Please make sure that each member of your family has his or her own toothbrush.
- Brushing for less than 2 minutes – It takes a full two minutes to brush all the surfaces of each and every tooth. If you’re brushing for less than two minutes, chances are that you’re leaving plaque and bacteria behind. It’s a good idea to set a timer on your phone or play a song that lasts at least two minutes while brushing your teeth.
- Brushing too hard – If you brush too hard, you may be damaging your tooth enamel. Once the enamel wears down, you’re more likely to experience tooth sensitivity and develop dental cavities. Make sure you’re using a toothbrush with soft bristles and brushing gently. We promise that a gentle touch will remove just as much plaque without causing any damage.
- Not replacing your toothbrush – Lastly, it’s important to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or once you begin to notice the bristles are frayed. We also recommend replacing your brush after you’ve recovered from the flu or a cold to avoid reintroducing the same germs back into your body.
The best way to keep your teeth clean and healthy is to practice good at-home oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, and visiting your general dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and exam. You should be visiting your dentist for regular checkups even during your orthodontic treatment.
To make an appointment at our Aurora, Colorado orthodontics office, please contact Garlock Orthodontics today.