If you're ready to take your oral hygiene routine to the next level, our Fort St. John dentist discusses three common mistakes to avoid making when brushing your teeth.
1. Using the Wrong Toothbrush
Regardless of whether you prefer an electric or manual toothbrush, choosing a model of toothbrush that's comfortable to use and that reaches all the areas of your mouth is essential.
Small Brush Head
Generally, it is a good idea to select a toothbrush with a smaller brush head. This allows you to brush more of those hard-to-reach areas behind your front teeth and at the back of your mouth.
Soft Bristles
For most people, a soft-bristled toothbrush is the best option. If you have particularly sensitive teeth and/or signs of enamel erosion, your dentist may even recommend using a toothbrush with extra-soft bristles.
Comfortable Handle
When choosing your next toothbrush, look for a handle that fits nicely in your hand. This will allow better maneuverability to reach all areas of your mouth. A handle that is too long may interfere with efficient or proper brushing.
2. Aggressive Brushing
Brushing harder doesn't mean that you're brushing better! In fact, brushing too hard can actually cause damage to your tooth enamel and sensitive gum area.
Think of brushing as massaging your teeth and gums. Plaque tends to be relatively soft, loose and easy to remove. Be kind to your teeth and gums and brush gently.
3. Not Brushing for Long Enough
The rule to follow is 2x2, which means you should brush your teeth twice a day for two full minutes. Try using a timer to know how long you should be brushing. Some models of electric toothbrushes even have built-in timers to help with this. It may surprise you to see how long two minutes actually is if you've been estimating or just rushing through brushing.
Try to spend roughly thirty seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. Don't forget to include the backs of your teeth.
And of course, don't forget to spend a few seconds flossing once you're done!