9 Common Tooth Brushing Mistakes to Avoid

9 Common Tooth Brushing Mistakes to Avoid

By admin June 28th
Brushing your teeth is the most important part of maintaining good dental health. For many people, it’s something that almost doesn’t take any thought. “Put toothpaste on the toothbrush, brush, rinse, done!” Simple, right? But there are actually several mistakes people make when brushing, and these mistakes do affect how effective brushing can be. To get the most out of your brushing habits, make sure that you avoid making them:
1. Not Brushing Long Enough
  
  Perhaps the most common mistake people make is not brushing long enough. The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes, but in truth, the average person only brushes their teeth for about 45 seconds! This is most likely caused by trying to keep track of time in their head; it’s very easy to count too fast or lose count. A good way to make sure you or your child are brushing for the full 2 minutes is to use the timer on your phone.
2. Using Incorrect Brushing Techniques
  
  Another common mistake people make is HOW they brush their teeth. The best way to brush is to make small circles with the toothbrush, not a side-to-side motion. This not only cleans the teeth more effectively but also can prevent damage to tooth enamel and the gumline. It’s also important to brush gently and to use a soft-bristle toothbrush, as these will also ensure that you don’t damage your teeth and gums.
3. Brushing Teeth at the Wrong Angle
  
  Brushing at the right angle also makes a big difference in how effective your brushing can be. Instead of pointing the toothbrush directly at your teeth, hold it at a 45-degree angle towards the gums while brushing. This angle will get slightly underneath the gumline while brushing, cleaning more effectively while being less rough on your gums. This is why you sometimes see toothbrushes with angled bristles.
4. Using Toothbrush for Too Long
  
  Another mistake that not only affects your dental health but also possibly your physical health is keeping a toothbrush for too long. The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush or replaceable brush head every 3-4 months. If you have been sick, you should replace it right after you get over your illness. Cold germs and other bacteria can live on your toothbrush for days, even weeks, after you’ve been sick and can get you sick all over again!
5. Storing Your Toothbrush Incorrectly
  
  What’s probably the grossest mistake people can make when it comes to toothbrushes is storing their toothbrush out in the open in the bathroom. A 2012 study by Manchester University in the UK showed that more than 10 million bacteria can call your toothbrush home, and that possibly includes human fecal matter. In fact, about 60% of the toothbrushes examined in the study contained trace amounts of feces. It is suggested that this is caused by flushing the toilet with the lid open, which can spray toilet water particles into the air. We recommend rinsing and air drying your toothbrush before storing it in a medicine cabinet or a drawer. Try not to use a toothbrush cover, which can trap moisture in the bristles and encourage bacteria to multiply.
6. Brushing Too Often
  
  Some people may think that if they want cleaner teeth, then brushing more often is the way to go. Makes sense, right? Actually, the general consensus among dentists is to brush teeth twice a day, as brushing too often can actually damage tooth enamel and the gumline.
7. Don’t Rinse Your Mouth with Water after Brushing Teeth
  
  After they are done brushing many people rinse their mouths out with water. This is usually to get rid of that toothpaste aftertaste, but this actually keeps the toothpaste from really working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing dilutes the fluoride in your mouth from the toothpaste, causing it to not work as effectively. Instead of rinsing with water, use mouthwash instead. Just don’t rinse with water after using mouthwash, either!
8. Not Cleaning Your Tongue
  
  Another simple mistake people make while brushing their teeth is not cleaning their tongue. The human tongue is covered in bumps (known as papillae) that bacteria can hide between. This bacteria creates a nasty biofilm on the tongue not only causes bad breath but can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. The best way to clean your tongue is with a tongue scraper, but some toothbrushes have a tongue scraper part on the back of the toothbrush head.
9. Falling into a Routine
  
  It’s hard not to fall into a routine going through our day-to-day activities. Your brushing habits shouldn’t become one. When we fall into a routine, it’s like running on auto-pilot, and that can cause us to not clean as well or miss areas. A good way to avoid this is to change things up by starting in a different spot and to follow an irregular pattern (still make sure to brush correctly and not miss any areas.)
At Elko Dental Specialists, we know exactly what your teeth need to look their best. The combined expertise of our pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists, and endodontists means that Elko Dental Specialists is a one-stop clinic for all of your dental needs, from baby’s first tooth through a whole lifetime of smiles. To see just how great your smile can look, call us today at (775) 753-6118 or schedule an appointment online for a free initial consultation.
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