Are You Brushing Your Teeth the Wrong Way?

Many people dread their dentist appointments. Either they have no time for it, or they are just scared of having someone poke into their mouth and comment on their oral problems. The good news is that there are a few, easy ways to make your dental appointments easier; it starts with brushing your teeth the right way. It turns out that most of the things that they learned in childhood are incorrect or have not been updated with the improvement of toothbrush technology.

So are you brushing your teeth wrong? Here are some ways you might be.

Using the wrong toothbrush – When buying a toothbrush, stay away from those hard bristle brushes that can damage your delicate gums. Instead, buy a toothbrush marked “soft” in size and shape that can easily fit in your mouth.
Not replacing your toothbrush regularly – The American Dental Association suggests that we should replace our toothbrushes every two or three months, as soon as the bristles start to splay outwards.
Brushing in circles – It is recommended that the best technique is by brushing in short strokes, hitting the teeth’s inner and outer surfaces, and then the chewing surfaces. For the front teeth, vertically tilt the brush and makeup and down strokes.
Not brushing long enough – Many people brush for a minute, but this is not enough to properly clean your teeth. Experts suggest that we should brush our teeth for two minutes, twice daily. Set a timer if necessary.
Not brushing your tongue – Brushing the tongue might feel odd, but this is an important step in ensuring good oral health. After brushing your teeth, drag your brush across your tongue to remove bacteria.
Skipping the floss – Flossing can be a drag, but doing so at least once daily will keep your teeth healthy for a long time. Bacteria can still linger in between teeth after brushing, and flossing can effectively get rid of them.
Eating too much sugar – When bacteria in your mouth come into contact with sugar, acid is produced that attacks the teeth. Avoiding too much sugar and brushing after eating sugar can help prevent tooth decay.

Use the tips to ensure that you are properly brushing your teeth and effectively getting rid of bacteria. Most importantly, do not forget to regularly visit your dentist. Regular check-ups and routine cleanings can go a long way in improving and maintaining a nice set of choppers. Just make sure that you pick a reputable and qualified dentist and you should be all set.