There are countless health benefits in brushing your teeth. Daily brushing prevents cavities from forming, removes plaque and tartar, and prevents bad breath. In addition, good oral health has been linked to a good memory and overall good general health. Many of us do not realize there is a proper way to brush our teeth, and if done wrong, we could actually be causing cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Are you brushing your teeth properly? Find out what you could be doing wrong and how to break the bad habits below:
You don't brush long enough. Most dentists recommend brushing for two minutes, but most of us never make it that long. We are too busy rushing to get to work or too tired from the day to give our teeth a thorough brushing. Next time you go to brush your pearly whites, set an egg timer for 2 minutes. Many electric toothbrushes have a built in timer, guaranteeing that you always get a thorough cleanse.
Pay attention. Try to look in a mirror while you brush so that you can see the areas of your mouth that have been treated and those that still need to be reached. The edge of your gum line is a very important area that many people miss. That's where plaque and tartar build up which can cause your gums to become inflamed. Don't forget the back molars! This hard to reach area should not be ignored.
You don't have proper technique. Brushing side-to-side breaks the enamel that extends toward the surface of your teeth. When the enamel breaks you are at risk of cracking a tooth and weakening your teeth. You should brush in small circles, holding the brush so that the bristles are at a 45-degree angle to the surface of your teeth. It is fine to brush in straight lines on your chewing surfaces.
You brush too forcefully. The harder you brush, the more likely it is that your enamel will break, causing a chipped tooth as previously discussed. This is especially damaging on your gums and can cause irritation and gum recession.
You're using the wrong toothbrush. Your toothbrush should be soft to minimize damage. Electric toothbrushes are a great tool to have, complete with soft bristles and a timer. Replacing your toothbrush every three months is essential to staying healthy as your toothbrush is a haven for germs and bacteria, especially if the bristles are frayed. This provides a place for the germs to manifest.
You have the wrong toothpaste. Identifying your dental needs is key to picking a toothpaste. Whitening toothpastes are great for stain removal but can be hard on enamel. If you have sensitive teeth, this would cause you more damage than good. Test out a few different brands for a week each and assess how your teeth feel after each one.
You don't floss. Did you know that most cavities form in-between your teeth. The bacteria that gets caught between your teeth feed off sugars from your food and produce a chemical that breaks down enamel. The end result- tooth decay. Flossing is not an option. It should be a part of everyone's daily oral health routine.
You don't rinse. Rinsing is important after brushing and flossing because it helps eliminate the loose bacteria from your mouth. Using a fluoride rinse can also help to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
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