Most of us are pretty knowledgeable on how to brush our teeth. But chances are that you might be making some mistakes. It doesn’t hurt to improve your oral care. No one’s perfect so why not learn something new and give yourself the cleanest and healthiest mouth. Here are 10 tips to avoid mistakes with brushing your teeth.
Most people probably wouldn’t consider this, but you’re going to want to wait 30 minutes after a meal to brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth immediately after eating food can be damaging for your teeth. During this time, the pH-level in your mouth is lower than normal, and more acidic, so brushing can be very abrasive and harmful.
Don’t always start brushing in the same spot. This is probably a common habit most people use as we are governed by routine.
Dentists say most people normally start brushing their teeth in the same place. By the time you reach the last part, you may be a little bored and end up paying less attention to these areas. Start in a different place each time so all of your teeth obtain the same amount of care and cleanliness.
Be tender while brushing your teeth. Most people have different techniques for brushing their teeth, but some are more damaging than others. Teeth need to be brushed frivolously, as harsher brushing can damage the teeth and wear away gums. Instead of brushing in long strokes, brush your teeth in a gentle, circular movement.
Brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Many times we are in a rush or we get lazy. Most people already know that the recommended time to brush your teeth is two minutes. But regardless, most people still don’t brush for that period of time. A good way to make sure you brush for two minutes is to turn the water off while you’re brushing. Leaving the tap on often makes people mentally try to speed the job up, so they are less likely to brush for as long as they need to.
Pay attention to your molars and the inner side of your teeth. While this might sound rational, many people brush their front teeth more than the rest. While these are the teeth people see, all of your teeth need equal attention. Pay extra attention to your molars and the inner side of your teeth, as these are the parts your tongue is most often pressed against. Especially in the back. A lot of food gets stuck in the back of our teeth. Make sure to brush all areas equally.
Make sure you are using the right kind of toothbrush. Often people use toothbrushes that are too big or small for the size of their mouth, which can stop them from reaching all areas of their mouth. Another common problem is using a toothbrush with bristles that are too stiff, as this can damage your gums. Everyone has different teeth so get a toothbrush that is used for your kind of mouth and for your kind of needs.
Eat fruit and vegetables to naturally clean teeth. A useful tip to keep your teeth clean when you’re out of the house and don’t have the opportunity to brush is to eat fruit and vegetables, such as apples and celery. Raw fruits and vegetables are filled with fiber, a natural abrasive that gently removes plaque.
Keep your brush dirt-free. Although your toothbrush appears clean after you have finished brushing, bacteria that can cause bad breath and cavities can cultivate on the brush. Rinse the brush when you’ve finished to help remove the harmful bacteria. It is also handy to buy a cup to keep your toothbrush in, as leaving the toothbrush touching the sink or counter makes it more likely to pick up other bacteria from your bathroom.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Although many people struggle to brush their teeth for long enough, most hold onto their toothbrushes for far too long. It is recommended to change your brush every three to four months, as the bristles become frayed and less effective, and the brush can gather bacteria on the brush and handle.
Floss your teeth daily. Obviously, dentists can’t stress this enough. Although tooth brushing is an exceptionally useful way to keep your teeth clean, bristles often cannot reach in between your teeth, where food and bacteria can assemble. A the end of the day, flossing s a vital part of keeping your whole mouth clean and healthy.
To end things off, I’d like to leave you with some shocking and informative facts and figures about how people take care of their teeth. National Smile Month states that one in four adults confess that they don’t brush twice a day. One in ten declare they habitually fail to remember to brush their teeth. Only 42% of adults use just a toothbrush and toothpaste for their oral care. Only 31% of adults use mouthwash. Shockingly less than a quarter of adults use dental floss regularly. One in three people has NEVER flossed their teeth. The UK spends £5.8 billion a year on dental treatments. Last, but not least brushing only once a day means your 33% more likely to get tooth decay.
