Here’s Why You’ve been Brushing Your Teeth Wrong the Entire Time

Brushing your teeth was probably one of the first oral health related things you might have learned as a child. However, many of us have been unknowingly brushing the wrong way, unless our parents happen to be qualified dentists.

Fear not – we’ve identified some common brushing mistakes people make, so you can avoid them and enjoy healthy, well-protected teeth for years to come.

You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

Some folks just brush way too fast in order to make it to school or work before the clock strikes 9. It’s also believed that if you brush your teeth extra hard, it will remove every last speck of food and plaque between each tooth; unfortunately, this isn’t true as on the contrary, brushing too hard can cause real damage to your teeth enamel. Pushing down hard on your teeth while brushing can not only wear out the enamel but also tear your gums, causing unwanted inflammation.

Also, try not to hold your brush too tightly – holding it with an iron grip will likely lead to sawing away aggressively at your teeth, which again, can cause premature enamel wear and tear. Use a toothbrush that’s easy to grip and practice holding it gently but firmly while brushing.

You Brush Your Teeth Right after Eating

If you have been brushing your teeth right after finishing meals, chances are your teeth enamel may have partially worn off. Many people think that brushing after meals is the right way to go about it, but the truth is, the acid in your food eats away your enamel faster if you brush right after eating or drinking beverages. Instead, wait at least 30-45 minutes before brushing.

You’re Using the Wrong Toothpaste

Toothpastes with whitening agents are not a solution to whiter teeth. Their composition can be too harsh on your gums. It’s better to avoid these completely and choose a fluoride-based toothpaste instead. You can try teeth whitening if you want whiter teeth.

You’re Not Keeping Your Toothbrush Covered

Although it’s a common practice to leave your toothbrush exposed, but do you know that it can act as a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria and dust particles.  And, the next time you use it, you are transferring all those nasty dust particles and bacteria right into your mouth. Get in the habit of keeping your toothbrush covered once you’re done with brushing your teeth.

You Multitask While You Brush

Multitasking  is actually a great way of doing two things poorly at the same time. You may like to scroll through your Twitter feed or check your emails while you brush but this is certainly not the right way to clean your teeth. You probably won’t be able to do either too effectively. Put that smartphone aside, stand in front of a mirror so you can see what you are doing. Now you’re in a perfect position to give your teeth the cleaning they deserve!

You Don’t Brush Your Tongue

Your teeth are not the only thing in your mouth that require thorough cleaning. Make sure not to skip your tongue, inner cheek surfaces and the roof of your mouth, as these areas are hotspots for bacteria accumulation, which also happen to be a major cause of bad breath.

Timely visits to a professional dentist like Dr. Marjan Askari are mandatory in order to take care of your dental health. Book your appointment now by calling The Smile Institute in Brookline, MA, at (617) 860-6333 and receive the best advice on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

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