A smile is often the initial thing people notice when meeting someone new. A gorgeous smile is one of a person’s most attractive features. We frequently see media plugs and advertisements that feature beautiful people who have dazzling and bright smiles reminding us to brush and floss at least two times a day. Even though you may be doing this, do you really stay aware of how you brush your pearly whites?
You have around 300 – 700 kinds of bacteria living inside of your mouth. If you don’t brush your teeth properly, the bacteria can cling to bits of food and debris, which, later on, leads to tooth decay and other dental issues. When you neglect to brush your teeth regularly, or if you forget to pay attention to how you are brushing your teeth, you can potentially increase your chances of developing tooth decay, gum disease, as well as bone and gum tissue loss around your teeth.
Good oral hygiene begins with practicing the right habits. As easy as brushing your teeth sounds – after all, you’ve probably been doing this task from the time you were a child – very few adults, teens, or children brush their teeth as proficiently as they should to maintain their oral health. While you may be making errors while you brush, you have ways to fix them. To help prevent dental health issues before any long-term circumstances can occur, individuals should arrange a dental examination with one of our dentists at DentalWorks – Dublin in Dublin, OH one time a year.
When you take a moment and think about your tooth brushing habits, is it possible that you might be making multiple brushing mistakes while not even realizing it? If any of the following errors apply to you, DentalWorks – Dublin in Dublin, OH can help you learn correct habits for the future.
FORGETTING TO CHANGE OUT YOUR TOOTHBRUSH REGULARLY ENOUGH
Our staff of dentists at DentalWorks – Dublin advises people to change their toothbrush after 3 – 4 months. Ragged and broken toothbrush bristles will not help keep your teeth clean. Over time, they lose pliability and aren’t able to effectively remove the bacteria from your mouth. Additionally, bacteria and food particles can gather on your toothbrush due to prolonged usage, which can create numerous problems. Make sure to remind yourself to change out your toothbrush at least every 3 months.
DON’T CLEAN YOUR TEETH TOO FAST
Spending only sixty seconds to clean your teeth is always a big mistake. The average amount of time most patients spend cleaning their teeth is 45 seconds; this is just not anywhere near a good length of time. The dentists at DentalWorks – Dublin advise patients to clean their teeth for a full two minutes two times per day. Anything under that does not allow the fluoride in your toothpaste enough time to work its way into the enamel. To make sure that you’re devoting enough time to brushing your teeth, use the stop watch on your phone each time you brush.
DON’T RINSE OUT YOUR MOUTH AFTER CLEANING YOUR TEETH
Most of us are probably guilty of cleansing our mouths after we have finished brushing our teeth. As a matter of fact, it is a regular habit for most. However, it significantly cuts down the effectiveness of the fluoride in your toothpaste and its ability to protect your teeth from damage. Instead of water, reach for a mouthwash containing fluoride to wash out your mouth after you’re done brushing.
RESIST BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO HARD
“Harder” is never better when it comes to cleaning your teeth. A gentle technique is the only thing you need to brush your teeth effectively. While you may think that cleaning your teeth harder will remove more of the germs and debris that cause tooth decay and other issues, the fact is that it can actually lead to damage. Too much pressure may in reality cause weakened gums. Instead of brushing roughly, cleaning your teeth should be more like a gentle massage.
LEAVE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH IN THE OPEN TO AIR OUT ONCE YOU’RE DONE BRUSHING
Our dentists at DentalWorks – Dublin advise people to store their toothbrushes upright and allow them to air dry. If you store a damp toothbrush in a closed off container, it can grow harmful germs.
DON’T USE TOOTHBRUSH BRISTLES THAT ARE TOO HARD
Some people believe that harder toothbrush bristles are more effective for brushing teeth, since these are what removes dangerous germs and plaque from the teeth. Despite this, hard bristles are never best when it comes to cleaning your teeth. Hard bristles can wear down the strength of the teeth by removing the protective coating of their enamel]. As a result, you may wind up with heat and cold sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity refers to when your teeth react if you drink something too hot or cold. Hard bristles could also eventually wear down your gum tissue. The dentists at DentalWorks – Dublin would be happy to recommend the proper products for your dental health.
STOP PRACTICING INCORRECT BRUSHING HABITS
Proper brushing technique is very important when it comes to cleaning your teeth. For a thorough clean, you need to target multiple places, such as the full surface area of the teeth. Additionally, the gums, tongue, and the palate of your mouth need to be tended to. Our dentists at DentalWorks – Dublin tell patients to practice these important steps:
It’s important that the toothbrush makes contact with both your teeth and gums.
DON’T OVERLOOK THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOSSING YOUR TEETH EVERY DAY
To maintain your wellness, it’s important to floss daily. Flossing your teeth daily helps to remove the plaque in between your teeth, particularly in spots where your brush can’t reach. Plaque that is not removed morphs into hard deposits along your teeth and gumline, which can lead to all sorts of oral issues.
START USING PROPER TOOTHBRUSHING HABITS NOW
Generally, it can take two months to learn new behaviors. Attempting to include at least one positive change to your brushing routine every week might be helpful in the long term. Practicing proper brushing habits along with making regular trips to DentalWorks – Dublin in Dublin, OH will ensure your long-term oral wellness, as well as lower your risk of requiring extensive dental work in the future. Call our team of skilled dentists at DentalWorks – Dublin. We perform a full array of general dental care and advanced options for your family.
