How does your brushing technique measure up? Here are some common brushing mistakes to avoid if you're ready to take your oral hygiene to the next level.
Are You Using the Wrong Toothbrush?
It doesn't matter whether you prefer an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, picking a model that's comfortable to use and reaches all the areas of your mouth is key.
Small Brush Head
Choose a toothbrush with a small brush head. A smaller brush head will help you to reach those awkward, hard to brush spots like the backs of your front teeth and the very back of your mouth.
Soft Bristles
There's no need to choose a brush with hard bristles. Be gentle with your teeth and gums, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. If you have particularly sensitive teeth and/or signs of enamel erosion, your dentist may suggest that you use a brush with extra-soft bristles instead.
Comfortable Handle
Take your time when you are shopping for a new toothbrush. Be sure to find a model with a handle that fits nicely in your hand. Maneuverability is the name of the game. Avoid handles that are too long or too bulky since they will prevent you from brushing as well as you could.
Are You Brushing Too Hard?
Keep in mind that brushing harder doesn't mean that you're brushing better!
Don't scrub at your teeth. Try to think of brushing as massaging your gums and teeth.
Plaque tends to be relatively soft and loose, so there's no need for vigorous scrubbing in order to do a good job.
Are You Brushing for Long Enough?
You should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Break the two minutes down into thirty seconds per quadrant, and focus on doing a great job just in that area of your mouth. If you haven't given any thought to how long you brush, it's time to start!
If you need encouragement to brush for two minutes, some models of electric toothbrushes come with built-in times to let you know when you have completed two minutes of brushing. Of course you could just use your phone or watch to time yourself.
Now that you've taken the time to brush your teeth really well, don't forget to spend a few seconds flossing!