5 Mistakes To Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth

It's easy to take your oral health for granted when everything is fine. But what if you were brushing your teeth the wrong way and you didn't even know it? Brushing correctly is imperative to prevent cavities and overly sensitive teeth and gums. If you're unsure or just need a refresher, here are five mistakes to avoid when brushing your teeth.

Brushing on Autopilot

While heading into the bathroom, grabbing the toothbrush, and going about brushing your teeth without giving it much thought is good in the sense that it's become a habit, you want to avoid brushing on autopilot. In other words, you should brush "consciously."

What this means is paying attention to the way that you brush, how much time you spend brushing, how much pressure you apply, etc. Brushing consciously allows you to pick up on dental problems like sore gums (from food stuck between your teeth) or yellow spots (where enamel has worn away and led to discoloration).

Do a quick visual examination every time you brush so you can spot any problems with your oral health.  

Brushing Too Hard

Some people think that the harder you brush, the healthier your teeth. But this couldn't be further from the truth. Using too much pressure when brushing can cause the gum line to wear away and recede, exposing the neck of your tooth. This is bad for several reasons.

First, the neck of the tooth doesn't have a protective layer of enamel. So when the gums recede, your teeth are at a greater risk of tooth decay.

Secondly, your teeth become more sensitive to touch as well as hot and cold, bringing you discomfort when consuming certain foods and beverages.

If your gums are already receding from brushing too hard, talk with your dentist about using a special toothpaste or rinse to help with the sensitivity. In some situations, varnishes or gels can be used as well. And in extreme cases, surgery may be recommended. 

Several good tips to help you avoid brushing too hard include using a short-handled toothbrush and brushing with your non-dominant hand. 

Brushing Too Fast

If you're in a hurry, you may go through the motions quickly during your morning or evening routine. But brushing too fast can cause you to brush improperly.

When you rush, you run the risk of missing certain teeth, brushing too hard, focusing on the wrong areas, and not spending enough time in your mouth. Take your time and brush for at least two minutes as recommended by the ADA.

Using the Wrong Type of Toothbrush

Using a brush with medium to hard bristles can damage your teeth and gums in a way similar to brushing too hard. Find a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head. This will allow you to more easily brush those hard-to-reach areas in the back of your mouth and behind the molars.

Toothbrushes can also be angled differently. Some have a non-slip grip and flexible heads, and any of those are fine. Choose one that feels most comfortable to you.

Not Brushing at the Right Time

Ideally, you should be brushing after every meal to get rid of harmful bacteria that can lead to tartar and plaque. However, there is one exception to that rule.

Consuming acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, coffee, red wine, and soda can erode enamel. The logical thought is that you should brush as soon as possible after eating these foods. But doing so can actually rub the acid into the teeth, expediting the process of erosion.

Therefore, it's best to wait about 30 minutes after eating and drinking these foods before brushing so that your saliva has time to neutralize the acids. Swishing your mouth with water while waiting can help.

Visit a site like http://www.allaboutsmilesinc.com/ to get on the path to better oral health.

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