Toothbrushing Mistakes You Should Avoid

Did you know that 31% of Americans don’t brush their teeth as they should? Shockingly, a study found that 12% of respondents admitted that the longest they’d gone without brushing was two days. The best dentist in Morton, IL, confirms that addressing the biggest toothbrushing mistakes allows you to accomplish more than half the battle.

Biggest Brushing Mistakes to Avoid

Brushing Too Vigorously

Most people brush their teeth too hard, thinking that the power of their stroke is what cleans their teeth effectively. However, it’s the motion of the toothbrush that does all the work. If your toothbrush bristles are splayed out, you’ll want to change your brushing motion.

Unless you’re willing to risk wearing out your tooth enamel and gums, you’ll want to brush in small, circular motions while keeping the bristles at 45 degrees into your gums.  Besides getting the area between your teeth and gums, this method allows you to brush the areas between your teeth.

Using a Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

Contrary to popular belief, cleaning your teeth with a hard-bristled toothbrush will do your pearly whites more harm than good. Cleaning your teeth is not about the bristles’ firmness, but about the motion. Using a toothbrush that’s too hard can lead to enamel erosion and gum recession. If you’re not careful, both conditions can be painful. Consequently, dental health professionals recommend selecting a toothbrush with the softest bristles.

Using the Wrong Toothpaste

Most people who want to brighten their smile without breaking the bank use whitening toothpaste. However, these products have added features that come at a cost to their oral health. They contain abrasive textures and chemicals that can cause damage to your enamel. Do yourself and your teeth a favor by using the most natural and least abrasive toothpaste you can find.

Forgetting to Change Your Toothbrush Often Enough

Don’t be that person who changes their toothbrush twice a year. Dental health professionals recommend changing your toothbrush every three months before it loses its effectiveness in removing plaque.  

In addition, using a toothbrush for too long is unhygienic. An average toothbrush has over one million bacteria particles in it. If you keep using your old toothbrush, you increase your risk of oral health issues by reintroducing harmful bacteria into your mouth.

Failing to Brush Your Tongue

Did you know that bacteria on your tongue can lead to bad breath? Aside from improving your breath, brushing your tongue can also prevent potential oral health problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Not Brushing Long Enough

You can’t expect to eliminate food particles and plaque if you brush your teeth for 45 seconds or less. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for at least two minutes. While at it, you’ll want to brush each of your mouth’s quadrants for 30 seconds.

Brushing in the Same Pattern All the Time

Do you always start brushing your teeth in the upper left and end at the lower right? If you want to avoid missing the same areas daily, changing your brushing pattern is best. Although this may take some intentional thought, doing so will help you effectively clean all areas of your teeth.

Looking for the Best Dentist in Morton, IL?

At Morton Dental Center, we’re here to help you make your teeth last longer and achieve a smile that you’ll love. If you’re ready to receive personalized dental services in a comfortable office, contact us today to make an appointment.