Are you ready to take your oral hygiene routine to the next level? Our Surrey dentist points out some common mistakes to avoid when brushing your teeth.
Using the wrong toothbrush?
Is your toothbrush right for you? Whether you prefer an electric or manual toothbrush, picking a brush that reaches all areas of your mouth and is comfortable to use is key.
Choose a small brush head. A toothbrush with a small brush head is typically better for most people. The smaller brush head will help to make it easier for you to reach those awkward, hard to brush spots in the very back of your mouth and behind your front teeth.
Soft bristles are kinder to your teeth and gums. You don't need to brush with a hard bristled toothbrush to do a good job. Be kind to your teeth and gums, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. People with particularly sensitive teeth and/or signs of enamel erosion may even find that using a brush with extra-soft bristles is best.
Choose a brush that's comfortable to hold. The next time you're out shopping for a new toothbrush take a little extra time. Check out what's available and take the time to find a toothbrush with a handle that will fit nicely in your hand. Avoid handles that are too long or too bulky since they will prevent you from reaching all areas of your mouth. Maneuverability is important to brushing your teeth thoroughly.
Are you brushing too hard?
Brushing harder does not equal brushing better! There's no need to scrub hard at your teeth. Instead, try to think of brushing as gently massaging your gums and teeth. If you brush regularly, plaque is typically soft and easy to brush away. Try to keep in mind that a clean healthy smile doesn't require vigorous scrubbing.
Are you brushing for long enough?
If you haven't given any thought to how long you brush, it's time to start!
For a really clean smile you should brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day. You may be surprised at how long two minutes actually is if you've been rushing through your oral hygiene routine. Try breaking the two minutes down into thirty seconds for each quadrant of your mouth. Focus on doing a great job just in that area before moving on to the next quadrant.
If you find that you need encouragement to brush for two minutes, many models of electric toothbrushes come with built-in times, or just use your phone, or watch to time yourself. For a little extra fun, pick your favourite song (that's at least 2 minutes long) and brush to the music.
One Last Thing
Now that you've taken brushing to the next level, make sure your teeth are really clean and don't forget to floss!
