Brushing your teeth is the MOST effective preventative action you can take in maintaining oral health. This being said, there are still mistakes that can be made while brushing that harm your teeth and gums more than help them. In today’s blog, we share the most common tooth brushing mistakes. It is important to know that brushing your teeth twice a day is important after waking up and just before sleeping and after lunch if it is possible.
Let’s identify the various reasons tooth brushing is so important.
1. Brushing helps remove food that may be stuck between your teeth that can lead to decay.
2. Brushing breaks up the biofilm layer (also known as plaque, especially when it’s visible) on the surface of your teeth which can accumulate and become more destructive (biofilm is primarily composed of bacteria that exist within a matrix that consists of materials derived from saliva, gingival fluid and bacterial products. The more mature the biofilm, the more harmful, so frequent disruption of the biofilm is key)
3. Brushing stimulates the gum tissue making it strong and healthy.
Brushing is important to daily overall hygiene and children should be taught to brush from a very early age. Brushing twice a day is a must and brushing correctly, following proper brushing techniques for a short period of time, is most effective.
It is easy to develop bad habits and these habits can negatively affect our oral health. It is good to be aware of what the most common brushing mistakes are and evaluate your own oral routine to decide if changes need to be made. It is commonly said that “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” and we stand behind that theory.
1. TIME- Brushing for too long or not enough time
You have to brush properly following proper brushing techniques for a limited period of time which is 2 to 4 minutes. It is best to divide the mouth into four parts, the upper right and left and the lower right and left. Follow this path every time you brush, remembering to address the outer and inner surface of the teeth.
Pro Tip: Choose a song that is between 2-4 minutes and brush for the duration of that song each morning and evening. No singing while brushing for best results. 😉 Also, electric toothbrushes have timers that will alert you to move on to the next area.
2. TECHNIQUE- which is best for you
The brushing technique should be maintained correctly. Improper brushing techniques cause harm to the teeth and gums causing erosion or abrasion. The best brushing technique is to place the toothbrush on several teeth at the base of the tooth where it meets the gingival tissue and move in a circular motion 4-5 times for each pair of teeth. This is a great technique for children and adults alike and can minimize abrasion and unwanted recession. Do the same for both sides and the tops of your teeth!
3. WRONG TOOTHBRUSH- size and shape.
A toothbrush should be selected in relation to your mouth size. Adults and children need different sizes of brushes. The size of the brush head and the shape of the handle should be considered when choosing. Your toothbrush should be comfortable in your mouth while brushing and comfortable in your hand as well. The bristles on the brush head are a major factor. Dr. Spear always recommends a softer bristle. Remember bristles should be sturdy enough to remove plaque but not hard enough to damage teeth.
4. PRESSURE- brushing too hard
Brushing too hard may harm your teeth by eroding the surface enamel and exposing the underlying dentin or nerve endings which will cause tooth sensitivity. Brushing too hard can also harm the gums by causing recession and exposing the root surface.
5. TOOTHPASTE- too much or the wrong kind
Choosing the right toothpaste and using the right amount is important to your oral health as well. You need much less than you may expect and Dr. Spear recommends a pea-sized amount for regular use. Using a limited amount of fluoridated toothpaste will allow that tube to last longer and will prevent a larger quantity of fluoride to be taken up or ingested, especially in children. The CDC stresses brushing with too much toothpaste can damage enamel because children could swallow too much fluoride while their teeth are developing. This can lead to dental fluorosis, the white marking and discolorization of teeth.
6. ADDITIONAL ORAL CARE- using floss and mouth rinse
Most people do not floss or use a mouth rinse after brushing which is a game-changer when everything is paired together. You can rinse several times but flossing once per day is enough. This helps get the places on the teeth that the toothbrush may not be able to reach.
In conclusion, you need to choose the correct toothbrush and follow the proper brushing technique to get the desired result and help prevent many oral problems like cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease.