Frequently Not Changing Your Toothbrush
Make a commitment to changing your toothbrush every season this year, as the American Dental Association (ADA) advises doing so every three to four months. It’s time to throw away the old toothbrush if you notice frayed or broken bristles. Look for one that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance when you’re shopping.
Too Short of a Brushing Time
You should spend a full two minutes brushing your teeth twice a day. The majority of people only brush for 45 seconds on average.
Too Much Brushing
Be careful with your teeth because too much pressure can harm your gums. Brushing gently is all that is required, despite the common belief that vigorous brushing will get rid of more food residue and the bacteria that love to consume it.
Brushing Immediately After Consuming Food
Before brushing, wait at least an hour, especially if you’ve consumed anything acidic, such as soda, lemons, or grapefruit. While you wait to brush, you can help clean your mouth by chewing sugar-free gum that has been approved by the American Dental Association or drinking water.
Keeping Your Brush Incorrectly
After brushing, leave your toothbrush upright and allow it to air dry outdoors. Avoid storing your toothbrush in a closed container as this gives bacteria more room to proliferate.
Using a Hard-Bristled Brush
It’s safe to use soft bristles. Additionally, remember to brush gently, particularly where your teeth and gums meet. To find out what kind of toothbrush is best for you, consult your dentist.
Inappropriate Brushing Method
To get a thorough brush, try this method: To begin, position your toothbrush 45 degrees from the gums. Then, use short, tooth-wide strokes to gently move the brush back and forth. Next, brush the teeth’s chewing surfaces, inner surfaces, and outer surfaces. Lastly, tilt the brush vertically and use a series of up-and-down strokes to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth.
Using a Brush That Doesn’t Fit You Well
Experiment with various brush types until you find one that suits you. For instance, if brushing is difficult for you, a power brush may be more manageable and do some of the work for you. Whichever option you select, keep in mind that the brush isn’t the most important factor—the brusher is ultimately responsible for maintaining a clean mouth!