Many people think that simply brushing their teeth twice a day (and flossing, of course) is the best way to ensure flawless dental health. The truth is that if you’re making mistakes when using your toothbrush, you might not be staying on top of your oral health as much as you think.
When in doubt, call your dentists in Highlands Ranch for a consultation and more brushing tips, but here’s a quick list to get you started:
The toothbrush is one of the inventions that have changed the quality of life of billions of people since its creation, giving us a helpful tool to prevent tooth loss to cavities and other problems by keeping our teeth white and clean. Let’s go over some of the most common mistakes when brushing your teeth:
- Do not pick the right bristles: If the gums of your mouth are very sensitive, very stiff bristles can damage them. The bristles should be strong enough to remove the plaque, but not enough to damage the teeth and other tissues. Generally, dentists recommend to use a toothbrush with medium hardness to avoid irritating your gums.
- Brushing your teeth a few times and for a short time: You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day, doing three is ideal. As for duration, the brushing should last for at least two minutes. It is estimated that it is the time required to clean all surfaces of teeth and tongue. One way to follow the norm to the letter is to divide the mouth into four quadrants (upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right) and spend 30 seconds on each. Some electric brushes count this time.
- Brushing too strong or excessively: If cleaning your teeth 3 times a day is ideal, doing more may not be. We do not recommend brushing your teeth more than 4 times a day, as excessive brushing can cause irritation of the roots of the teeth and irritate the gums. Similarly, brushing too hard can erode tooth enamel (the outer layer of the tooth).
- Do not brush with the proper motion: Long horizontal strokes on the gum line can even lead to dental erosion. The bristles of the brush should point the gum line at a 45 degree angle and make small strokes or vibrations. Brush your teeth gently from top to bottom, not to the sides.
- Forget the inner part of the teeth: Many patients forget to brush the inside of the teeth (the one that is in contact with the tongue). The most neglected part is usually the inner surface of the anterior teeth, an area in which precisely a lot of plaque usually accumulates due to the tendency it has to clump. Make sure to get it!
- Do not change your toothbrush often: The brush should be changed approximately every 3 or 4 months, although it is best to observe the bristles from time to time to verify they are still operative. If you notice that they have lost their flexibility and that they break or stay bent, you should change your brush immediately.
— Read more at cancuncosmeticdentistry.com