Your teeth take care of many important functions. But if you don't take proper care of them, you could end up facing some serious health concerns in the future. That's why it's important to learn the proper techniques for brushing, flossing, and maintaining good dental hygiene. One way to start a proper regimen is to learn what not to do when brushing. If you brush inadequately, you could do more damage than good. So follow these rules about what not to do instead so you can keep your oral health in good shape.
Brushing Too Hard
If you're experiencing bleeding gums, irritability, inflammation or receding gums, it could be a sign that you're brushing too hard. By using the brush aggressively, similar to how you would scrub your floor or dishes, you are causing more damage to your teeth and gums. Scrubbing your teeth forcefully will only irritate your gums and cause them to recede over time. Instead, brush gently with a soft bristled brush.
Rushing Through It
Giving your teeth a quick thirty-second brush won't give them the clean they need. Instead, you should brush for two minutes at least twice a day. To ensure you reach the two-minute mark, we recommend setting your phone timer or placing a small clock in the bathroom to help you keep track. Even if you're rushing to work, slow down take that extra minute to brush thoroughly - you're teeth and gums will thank you!
Not Replacing Your Brush
Sometimes you can become so familiar with your current toothbrush that you forget to buy a new one. But if the bristles start to wear down, it jeopardizes the cleaning power of the brush. This coupled with the fact that it will start to look grimy after extensive use, is reason enough to toss it out and pick up a new one. It's wise to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months for optimal performance.
Brushing Back And Forth
The proper way to brush is in slow and gentle circles rather than back and forth. Scrubbing your teeth in this way will only inflame the gums and wear down the enamel.
Forgetting The Gum Line
It's important that you get right underneath the gum line when brushing. It's here that a lot of bacteria and plaque easily build up. If you're missing this area, you're leaving yourself susceptible to gum disease and periodontal disease. If you're not sure how to reach the gum line, all you need to do is angle your toothbrush 45-degrees and gently brush in a slightly upward motion.
Making simple brushing errors can accumulate a lot of problems down the road. That's why taking good care of your teeth and gums is such a crucial part of maintaining your overall health too. And when you're ready for your next checkup, give us a call at (613) 258-7373. Our team will help you keep your oral health in check.