Mistakes Made While Brushing Teeth

POSTED BY VARNI DENTAL ON JUN 26 2024, 12:05 AM

The outer layer of your teeth called the enamel, is designed to protect your teeth. But, this layer is what shows your age as the enamel thins and becomes more transparent over time. When you brush your teeth, you remove plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the enamel. Plaque contains bacteria that, over time, can wear down enamel and cause cavities. Regularly brushing your teeth helps prevent plaque from accumulating and stains due to coffee, wine, or other foods from discoloring your teeth.

Here are some mistakes that are made while brushing teeth:

Not Using Enough Toothpaste

Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Some of us layer our toothpaste on so thick that it’s almost like we’re painting our teeth with it. While that may be fine for getting rid of plaque and bacteria, it’s not good for our enamel. Toothpaste is designed to get rid of plaque, but too much could actually cause our enamel to erode.

Not Brushing Your Entire Mouth

Brushing your teeth is only half the battle! If you don’t brush your entire mouth, you are skipping over vital areas that harbor bacteria and leftover food particles. Make sure to brush the entire surface of each tooth, including the fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces. Make sure you don’t forget your tongue, either.

Not Brushing Regularly

We sometimes tell patients that we “brush our teeth once a day and call it good.” This is absolutely not the case. Brushing once a day won’t keep your teeth clean, and it certainly won’t keep your gums healthy. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and ideally, you should brush your teeth after you eat. Call us to learn more.

Not Brushing Properly

• Brushing your teeth isn’t as simple as just holding the brush and letting the bristles do all the work. There is a certain way you should use your toothbrush.
• First, your mouth should be full of toothpaste. Dispense a very small amount on your toothbrush, and remember that you only need a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
• Next, place the head of the toothbrush at an angle against the gum line and gently move some bristles against the tooth. Do not scrub too hard or scrape the gums.
• Then gently move the bristles across the outer surfaces of your teeth, making sure to brush all surfaces. While brushing, be sure to gently hold your jaw in place the way our dentist would.

Using An Abrasive Toothpaste

Abrasive toothpaste can cause damage like enamel loss, tooth sensitivity, and receding gums. If the toothpaste you’re using has any of these characteristics, it’s time to change brands.

Brushing Too Hard

When flossing, it can be difficult to determine if you are brushing too hard. However, if your gums are feeling tender, sore, or swollen, you are likely brushing too hard. When this happens, you are causing your gums to recede, which can lead to tooth loss and oral disease.

We offer several tips for the best brushing. For example, you should brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. Make sure you also brush along the gum line, and don’t forget the backs of your molars.

If you need assistance, our dental professionals can help. Give us a call.

Brushing Too Often

Brushing your teeth too frequently can wear away the enamel. Instead of focusing on how many times you brush your teeth, focus on how long you brush each time.