Brushing your teeth should be part of your everyday life, something that you have done since you were old enough to reach the bathroom sink on your own. It is such a basic part of your day that it requires little to no thought in order to get the task done. However, there are a lot of common mistakes that are made when brushing your teeth that it is important to put a little thought to it and make sure that you are doing the best you can for your dental health.
- Take it easy on your teeth and gums
It is a common mistake that the harder you brush your teeth the cleaner they will become. Actually, the harder you brush your teeth, the more damage you could be doing to your gums. Plaque that forms on your teeth is soft and loose and can be cleaned away with the motions of gentle brushing. You should think about brushing your teeth as a way to give your teeth and gums a gentle massage and not as scrubbing them clean.
- Don’t rush the process
Since brushing is something you do when you are starting your day and right before you go to bed, the process tends to be rushed. Give yourself time to brush your teeth. You should take at least two full minutes to properly and gently cleanse each part of your mouth.
- Pick the right brush
Choosing the right toothbrush is just as important as choosing the right outfit for the day. The brush should have soft bristles, not hard. The soft bristles will help you massage your teeth instead of scrubbing them. The brush head itself should be the right size for your mouth, especially if you have a smaller mouth. There are a lot of brushes to select from and choosing one with the right angle, size and flexibility is important in achieving a good and cleansing brush.
- Change your toothbrush frequently
After finding the perfect toothbrush, you may feel inclined to hold on to it too long. Once the bristles are frayed the toothbrush loses its cleaning power. Replace your toothbrush approximately every three to four months, or sooner if it is looking a little beat up.
- Use a proper brushing motion
You may think that you need to follow the line of your teeth and just brush back and forth, however in order to properly massage your teeth, you should use more of a circular motion while brushing. This technique will allow you to clean the whole tooth and not just run the brush past the teeth in a straight line. Angle the brush at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line. Doing this will allow you to get to slightly under the gum to clean out any debris that is lingering there. Lastly, do not forget to brush your tongue. Bacteria builds up on the tongue, both on the top and on the sides, so before you conclude your brushing session, make sure to brush that bacteria off your tongue.
Brushing your teeth is one of the most important aspects of your dental health, so don’t put this chore on autopilot. Try to pay attention to the task at hand and put care and thought into brushing your teeth. Make sure to do this twice a day, and you will be on the road to a very clean and happy mouth.