10 Tooth Brushing Mistakes

Tooth brushing is such an ingrained habit, few people think twice about it. But as with any habit, you can get sloppy, and that can lead to cavities and gum disease

Here are 10 common tooth brushing mistakes and how to fix them.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 1: Not Using the Right Toothbrush
Consider the size of your mouth when picking a toothbrush. If you are straining to open wide enough to let the brush in, the brush is probably too big.

‘The handle has to be comfortable It should feel as comfortable as holding a fork when you eat.

The more comfortable it is in your mouth and your hand, then the more likely you will use it and use it properly. A person who brushes well with a manual will do as well as a person who brushes well with an electric, it’s not the toothbrush, and it’s the brusher.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 2: Not Picking the Right Bristle
What is important when buying a toothbrush? Bristles that are too stiff can aggravate the gums. a soft-bristled brush is recommended. Bristles should be sturdy enough to remove plaque but not hard enough to damage the teeth when used properly. Natural bristles such as those made from animal hair or boar bristle are not recommended.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 3: Not brushing often enough or long enough
Softly brushing your teeth at least twice a day is recommended, three times a day is best .With too much time between brushings, bacterial plaque will build up, boosting the risk of gum inflammation and other problems.

Brushing should last at least two minutes, Three minutes is even better. Most people fall short of both time lines, divide the mouth into quadrants and spend 30 seconds a quadrant. Some toothbrushes include built-in timers.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 4: Brushing too often or too hard
While brushing your teeth three times a day is ideal, Excessive brushing could expose the root of the tooth to irritation, and that could in turn irritate the gums. Brushing vigorously can also erode tooth enamel. The trick is to brush very gently for two to three minutes.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 5: Not Brushing Correctly
Long horizontal strokes along the gumline can lead to abrasions, aim your bristles at the gumline at a 45-degree angle and do short strokes or vibrations. Softly brush up and down your teeth, not across your teeth. The strokes should be vertical, not horizontal.

Be sure to brush outer and inner tooth surfaces, the chewing surfaces, and your tongue.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 6: Starting in the Same Place Each Time
Many people start brushing the same part of their mouth over and over; start in a different place so that you don’t get ‘lazy’ in the same area of your mouth.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 7: Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces
Most people forget to brush the inner surfaces of teeth – the surface that your tongue presses against.

“The plaque you can’t see is just as important to remove as the plaque you can see. The most commonly skipped area, is the inner surface of the front teeth.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 8: Not Following Up With a Rinse
Bacteria can grow on an un-rinsed toothbrush. Then, the next time you brush your teeth, you may actually put old bacteria back in your mouth, rinsing the toothbrush after you brush will help remove any leftover toothpaste.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 9: Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry If you have a toothbrush that’s perpetually moist, it will cultivate more bacteria. If the bristles stay soggy, you can misshape them as you use the brush, or it might be a breeding ground for bacteria.

It’s a good idea to shake out the moisture, and then recap it with a cap that allows air in.

Tooth brushing Mistake No. 10: Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough
The American Dental Association recommends a new brush every three or four months or even sooner if the bristles look frayed.

But rather than go by a strict timeline, once the bristles lose their normal flexibility and start to break apart, change your toothbrush .Some brushes have colored indicators that alert you when they need replacing, Price says.