What To Expect When Getting A Crown
Even if you brush and floss twice a day, you could still cause your teeth harm. Making any of these most common mistakes while brushing could promote enamel wear or tooth decay. Take care when brushing, and always see your dentist to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
1. Brushing Too Hard or Using the Wrong Type of Brush
You may think that using extra force on the toothbrush or choosing a hard-bristled brush will improve your brushing. However, the best brush has soft bristles because these types of flexible bristles bend enough to sweep food particles from just under the gumline.
Hard bristles rub too firmly against your teeth and can damage the enamel. Similarly, using too much pressure on the toothbrush can rub away the protective enamel on your teeth.
Use gentle pressure against your teeth. If you think you brush too hard, use your non-dominant hand to brush. You will naturally use less pressure on the brush and your teeth.
2. Not Brushing Long Enough
Make sure that you brush for a full two minutes. Use a timer on your phone, or opt for an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer.
When you don’t brush long enough, you increase the chances of missing areas of your mouth during brushing. Plus, your teeth need exposure to fluoride in toothpaste for at least two minutes to fully benefit from this cavity-preventing mineral.
3. Brushing Too Soon After Having Acidic Food or Drinks
Sodas, sports drinks, mustard and pickles on sandwiches or burgers, and coffee all contain acid. If you brush your teeth immediately after having any acidic food or beverage, you rub the acid over your teeth, which can cause enamel wear.
Instead, wait at least 15 to 20 minutes after eating to allow your saliva to naturally neutralize the acid in your mouth before brushing your teeth. If you cannot wait that long, rinse your mouth with water before brushing your teeth to reduce the chances of acid damage.
4. Not Replacing Your Toothbrush Regularly
No matter how much you love your toothbrush, you need to get rid of it and replace it regularly. Signs that you need a new brush include bent, dirty, or frayed bristles. Broken, damaged bristles do not clean your teeth very well. Regardless of the condition of your toothbrush, replace it every three to four months to ensure that you have fresh bristles brushing your teeth.
5. Brushing Horizontally
The back-and-forth, horizontal motion is the worst way to brush your teeth. Instead, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and brush in small, vertical circles on the front and back of each tooth, starting at the gumline.
When brushing, don’t forget to brush the part of your teeth where they meet the gums to get food particles from under the gumline. Also, brush the inside of your teeth, not just the front and chewing surfaces. Just because you cannot see a part of your tooth, it does not mean you shouldn’t brush it. Brush all tooth surfaces when brushing your teeth. If you focus on fully cleaning each tooth on all sides, you will easily reach the two-minute time for brushing.
Get Expert Dental Care to Compliment Your
Home Brushing Habits
Finally, one major mistake that some people make is brushing without keeping regular dental appointments. You need to see a dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and exams. Regular exams prevent major problems by fixing minor ones that happen.
If you need a dentist in Westlake, Ohio, call us at Westlake Dental Associates at (440) 835-8999. We would be happy to provide you with comprehensive family dental care and other necessary services to keep your smile bright and healthy.
