6 Tooth Brushing Mistakes You Make Everyday

/ Dentistry

A flawless smile is probably the first thing a person notices about you. Your grin is a part of your personality and to keep those pearly whites shining, two things are a must: regular dental checkups and perfect brushing. Visiting the dental specialist rules out the possibility of having tooth problems which can turn into cavities, infections and require costly treatments. Brushing your teeth in the correct manner improves your oral health!

Fun Read: 6 Dental Myths | Today in Tooth Tales

You may think that brushing is an easy task but your teeth might be suffering due to these commonly ignored mistakes that most people make:

1.      You don’t change your toothbrush

Doctors all over the world recommend that you change your toothbrush every three months. When the bristles get worn out, they can’t scrape off the food particles stuck on and between your teeth properly. Talking mathematically, you should replace your toothbrush after 200 uses.

2.      You use the wrong toothbrush

Most people think that every toothbrush on the aisle performs the same function. That’s certainly not true. Whilst a doctor might be able to tell you which brush is best suited to your needs, based on your oral history, dental experts usually recommend brushes with soft bristles. They bend easily and reach the spaces hard bristles do not reach. Moreover, they are easy on your teeth and do not harm the gums.

3.      You brush aggressively

Brushing your teeth fast and hard won’t make that toothache go away and it certainly won’t make your teeth shine. A survey suggests that a whopping 67% of people in the world believe that brushing aggressively can make a cavity go away. For tooth decay to stop, you need to visit a dentist! Brushing harshly makes your gums sensitive and causes the enamel to wear off.

Man brushing his teeth aggressively.
Stop! Don't brush fast, brush smart!

4.      You don’t calculate the time

An average person brushes for 45 seconds which is not enough to clean the teeth. It is recommended to brush your teeth for two minutes at the right angle. Don’t press your toothbrush too hard and tilt it vertically to give gentle strokes.

Hakeem Fact: Traces of feces were found on people’s toothbrushes because they left them uncovered. It is advised to not keep your toothbrush in the washroom even if it is covered to avoid contact with bacteria.

5.      You don’t clean your tongue

If you do not have a tongue scraper, it is perfectly alright. You can use the bristles of your toothbrush to gently scrape off the bacterial residue present on your tongue. Regularly cleaning your tongue also helps prevent bad breath.

Woman using a tongue scraper.
Invest in a tongue scraper for a bacteria-free mouth!

Fun Read: Dental Treatments Then and Now

6.      You brush only once a day

Many people make the mistake of brushing right before going to bed or early in the morning only. Brush your teeth at both times. Brushing your teeth in the morning removes the buildup of bacteria that has collected in your mouth overnight and removes the morning breath odor. Brushing your teeth at night ensures that all food and sugary substances sticking in your mouth has been removed. It is vital to understand that brushing your teeth more than two times can be harmful too.

Now that you know the 6 most commonly found mistakes in tooth brushing, read about the top 10 dental experts in Dubai and book an appointment now!

Ayesha

Hello, I'm Ayesha and I would love to hear your feedback. P.S If you want to be featured on the Hakeem website, send me an email at [email protected]!

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6 Tooth Brushing Mistakes You Make Everyday
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