We all brush our teeth. It’s a daily habit you learn when you’re young, and keep up with for your whole life, working toward beautiful, healthy teeth. But are you optimizing that brushing time? Read on as we identify common mistakes that you might be making, and learn why you should correct them ASAP.
Brushing Too Hard
When you brush your teeth it’s important that you pay attention to the amount of pressure you use. Many people think that brushing harder will be more likely to get at the build up on the teeth. The fact is that rough brushing can do more harm than good–causing inflammation and damage to the enamel and gums. Brush mindfully, and if you have trouble going easy, soft bristles can help. There are also electronic toothbrushes on the market that will signal to you if you’re brushing too hard.
Not Brushing Long, Or Often, Enough
Brushing your teeth takes time in order to be fully effective. You should be brushing every morning and every evening, and spending two minutes every time you do it. It’s also a good idea to brush as soon as you can following an indulgence in something extra sugary or starchy.
Skipping Flossing
Brushing isn’t truly as effective as it should be unless it’s paired with floss. Brushing cleans the surface of your teeth but it can’t reach those tight spaces between the teeth and gums where food and bacteria build up and cause decay. That’s where floss come in. Be sure to floss every evening when you brush before bed.
Your Bi-Annual Visit
Another crucial step–your regular visit to Spring Haven Dental. We’re here to make sure that your brushing and flossing are yielding results, and we can let you know if you need to make improvements to your routine. Contact us if you haven’t yet scheduled your next appointment and we’ll put something on the books.
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