9 Mistakes to Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth: Dental Tips and Tricks

No one is perfect and we all make mistakes from time to time. However, when it comes to taking care of our teeth, we need to be as meticulous as possible. Making just one mistake when brushing our teeth can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems down the road. So today, we’re going to take a look at 9 common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth, and how to avoid them. Keep reading for more information!

#1 Using Your Toothbrush For Too Long

We’ve all been guilty of it at one time or another- using our toothbrushes for too long. Maybe you’ve had a busy day and just don’t feel like putting in the extra effort to switch out your toothbrush head, or maybe you’re just cheap and don’t want to spend the money on a new one. But using your toothbrush for too long can have some serious consequences for your oral health. And this is quite a common mistake that people usually make when brushing their teeth.

#2 Not Brushing Your Teeth Long Enough

Do you brush your teeth for the recommended two minutes twice a day? If not, you may be doing more harm than good. Dentists say that not brushing long enough means you’re not getting all of the plaque and bacteria off of your teeth, which can lead to cavities and other dental problems. Keep your smile healthy by brushing for the full two minutes!

#3 Rinsing Your Mouth With Water After Brushing Teeth

Most people know that they should brush their teeth after every meal, but fewer people are aware of the importance of rinsing your mouth with water after brushing. Rinsing helps to remove any remaining food particles and bacteria that may be left in your mouth after brushing. It also washes away the fluoride from your toothpaste, which can help to protect your teeth from cavities. Rinse your mouth with water for at least 30 seconds after brushing to get the most benefit.

#4 Storing Your Toothbrush In The Bathroom

Did you know that toothbrush germs are one of the most commonly found bacteria in bathrooms? In fact, a recent study found that about 82% of toothbrushes have some level of contamination. That’s why it’s important to store your toothbrush in a place where it can’t come into contact with other bathroom surfaces – like the sink or countertop. 

One easy way to do this is to keep your toothbrush in a holder specifically designed for toothbrushes. These holders usually have a built-in sanitizer, which helps to kill bacteria on your toothbrush. Or you can simply place your toothbrush in a cup or container that can be easily cleaned and dried after each use. Whatever option you choose, just be sure to keep your toothbrush away from other dirty surfaces in the bathroom.

#5 Not Using Dental Floss

It’s no secret that flossing is an important part of oral care, yet many people don’t do it. In fact, a recent study found that only about 45 percent of Americans reported flossing every day. If you’re one of those people who don’t floss regularly (or at all), here are two reasons why you should start.

1) Flossing can reduce your risk of gum disease

Gum disease is a serious and potentially painful condition that affects about half of all Americans. If you have this chronic bacterial infection, plaque builds up around the teeth and gums. Over time, this buildup leads to periodontitis — an advanced stage of gum disease in which serious damage occurs to teeth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gum disease is a risk factor for developing serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.

The best way to fight plaque buildup? Flossing! One study showed that people who flossed daily were 20 percent less likely than non-flossers to develop gum disease.

If you’re having trouble flossing, try using dental flossers or oral irrigators instead. These devices make it easier to get the floss between your teeth and below the gum line.

2) Flossing can help keep your teeth and gums healthy

One of the main functions of flossing is to remove plaque from between the teeth. This plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

If you don’t floss, that plaque will continue to build up and can cause some serious dental problems down the road. So make sure you floss every day – it’s one of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy!

#6 You’re Not Cleaning Your Tongue

When was the last time you cleaned your tongue? If you can’t remember, it’s probably been too long. Contrary to popular belief, your tongue is not a self-cleaning organ. In fact, bacteria and food particles can easily build up on your tongue, leading to bad breath and other health problems. And this mistake is usually what people may have while brushing their teeth.

Luckily, cleaning your tongue is a quick and easy process that only requires a few minutes of your time. Follow these simple tips to clean your tongue and keep your mouth healthy!

1) Use a tongue scraper

A tongue scraper is the best way to clean your tongue. It’s simple to use and it removes bacteria and food particles quickly and easily.

If you don’t have a tongue scraper, you can also use your toothbrush. Just make sure to brush your tongue from back to front, using gentle circular motions.

2) Use mouthwash

Although you should always make sure to brush your teeth after eating, it’s important to be especially thorough when using mouthwash. Make sure that you use a rinse that both kills bacteria and freshens your breath at the same time!

#7 Using Incorrect Brushing Technique And Motion

Misaligned brushing motions and techniques are often one of the most common reasons for toothbrush abrasion. Abrasion is when the bristles on your toothbrush wear down your enamel, which can cause your teeth to become sensitive over time.

In order to protect your enamel and keep your teeth healthy, it’s important to use the correct brushing technique. Here are a few tips to help you properly brush your teeth:

• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line, and make gentle circular motions.
• Be sure not to apply too much pressure, as this can also lead to abrasion.
• Avoid ‘back and forth brushing motions, which can cause more damage than good! Instead, try focusing on cleaning each tooth individually.
• Once you’ve brushed each tooth, make sure to brush the outer surfaces of your teeth in a circular motion with equal pressure. Be careful not to press down on your tongue when brushing it!
• If possible, invest in an electric toothbrush for more efficient results. It can be hard to stay consistent while using manual brushes every single day, which is why some people are more likely to succeed with electric toothbrushes.
• To avoid causing damage, be sure you’re using the right kind of brush for your teeth! If you have sensitive or receding gums, consider an extra soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Also, make sure that your toothpaste doesn’t contain any abrasives – these can actually wear away your tooth enamel over time.

#8 Not Changing Your Teeth Brushing Routine

Almost everyone has a routine that they do when it comes to brushing their teeth. Whether it’s at night before bed or in the morning, people have a set way of doing things. Many people believe that if they are not changing their routine, then they are not doing anything wrong. However, this may not be the case.

According to a recent study, even if you are sticking to your same routine, you may still be putting your oral health at risk. Therefore, it is important to learn about the right way to brush your teeth so that you can keep your smile looking and feeling great.

#9 Brushing Teeth More Than Twice A Day

Dental hygiene is incredibly important, and one of the simplest ways to maintain good oral health is by brushing your teeth regularly. Most experts recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, but there are some people who brush more than that – and it might not be a bad idea.

Actually, brushing your teeth more than twice a day can help prevent tooth decay. When you brush your teeth, the bristles of the toothbrush run over and clean off any bacteria that may have collected on your teeth throughout the day. If these bacteria are allowed to sit for too long, they can cause serious damage to your teeth.

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Conclusion

The point of this blog post was to share the mistakes you should avoid when brushing your teeth. There are many reasons why you would want to brush your teeth, but there are also ways in which it can be difficult or seem like a struggle. We hope that these tips and tricks will help make tooth brushing an enjoyable experience for you! If not, feel free to contact us at SenseOrient – we’re happy to provide more information on dental care!

Additionally, don’t forget to always visit a dentist every 6 months or more often if needed. If you’re looking for one though, you can reach out to this dentist who offers veneers, fillings, and high-quality dental bridges in Naperville.