Ever since toddler years parents have stressed the need to brush teeth. “Go brush your teeth and go to bed,” parents command in the evening.
It’s a morning and evening ritual for all of us now, but each ritual varies from person to person, especially technique. Did you know there is a proper way to brush your teeth? You probably did. But you might be making a few mistakes when you go to the sink to grab your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Here are five of the most common mistakes we’ve all made and continue to make:
#1 – Not brushing long enough
How long do you brush? If you’re like most, you probably don’t know the exact amount of time. Dentists agree that between two and three minutes of brushing is best. Divide your mouth into quadrants and spend 30 seconds brushing each quadrant with great technique.
#2 – Poor Technique
We’re all guilty of plopping the toothbrush in our mouth and brushing with harsh horizontal strokes. It’s time to stop that. Angle your brush at a 45-degree angle and brush with short strokes up and down your teeth. Strokes should be vertical or circular in motion. No more horizontal strokes.
#3 – Starting in the same place
We’re creatures of habit. You may not notice but you probably place your toothbrush in the same position to start every time. By the time you reach the end of your ritual you’re tired of brushing and the last portion of your teeth suffer from lazy technique.
Mix it up. Start in different places to avoid ending poorly in the same place each time.
#4 – Skipping inner tooth surfaces
The exterior and tops of your teeth look great, but what about the inner side that your tongue touches? Yes, this area is often overlooked. Make sure you spend equal time on the exterior, inner and tops of your teeth each time you brush.
#5 – Rinse your brush after
If you forget to rinse your brush after, it’s time to change your habit. Not rinsing will leave bacteria on your brush and the next time you brush, you’ll put old bacteria back in your mouth. Yuck.
Once you’re done brushing, flip the water on, give your brush a quick rinse and leave it to dry till next use. You’ll keep the bacteria away.
Worried about your oral health or just want a quick checkup? No problem at all. Here at Valleydale Dental we offer everything dental in Birmingham, AL: regular teeth cleaning, cavity fillings, root canal therapy, whitening, crowns and so much more.
Read what others are saying about our Birmingham dental office on Google. Call our office for any questions you have: 205.991.7797.
We look forward to taking care of you!
