Long Island Dental Excellence

Tooth brushing is an activity that we do so often it is hardly given much thought. Bad habits developed over time can unintentionally increase the risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Here are the most common tooth brushing mistakes and suggestions to fix them.
Mistake #1 – Not Using the Right Toothbrush - Toothbrushes come in sizes for a reason, so consider the size of your mouth when purchasing a toothbrush. If you have to strain to open wide enough to get your brush to your back teeth, your brush is probably too big. Look for a brush with a smaller or “compact” head. Electric versus manual toothbrushes? With proper technique, either type can be equally as effective.
Mistake #2 – Not Picking the Right Bristle – The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a soft-bristled brush. Bristles that are too stiff can aggravate and wear away the gums. Angled bristles versus straight ones? This is more a matter of personal preference – choose what is most compatible to your own brushing technique.
Mistake #3 – Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough – Gently brushing two or three times per day is recommended to prevent plaque from building up and causing gum inflammation and other problems. Brushing for two to three minutes each session is ideal as it takes this long to clean all of the surfaces of each tooth properly.
Mistake # 4 – Brushing Too Often or Too Hard – Brushing three times a day is ideal, while more than four times per day may actually be too much. Excessive brushing or brushing too hard can erode tooth enamel or expose the roots to irritation which in turn could irritate the gums. If you find yourself brushing too hard, try holding the toothbrush between your thumb and forefinger only. This will lessen the pressure but still allow enough to get the teeth clean.
Mistake #5 – Not Brushing Correctly – Brushing with horizontal strokes can lead to abrasions and gum recession. Instead, brush softly up and down, in gentle circles or with short strokes with the bristles at a 45 degree angle.
Mistake #6 – Starting in the Same Place Each Time – Out of habit, many of us begin brushing in the same part of our mouths each time we brush. And when brushing unconsciously, the tendency is to brush the same areas repeatedly and ignore others. Try to start brushing in a different quadrant each time, and don’t stop until you have completed all surfaces in each quadrant.
Mistake #7 – Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces – The areas that receive the least attention when brushing are the surfaces that are touching the tongue. And, the most commonly skipped area is the inner surface of the front teeth. The plaque you can’t see needs to be removed just as much as the plaque you can see. Remember to brush your tongue also.
Mistake #8 – Not Following Up With a Rinse – Bacteria from your mouth can grow on an un-rinsed toothbrush. Then, the next time you brush, you could be putting that bacteria right back in your mouth. Rinse your brush thoroughly after each use to remove bacteria, tiny food particles and leftover toothpaste.
Mistake #9 – Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry – A toothbrush that remains moist will cultivate more bacteria. After brushing, shake out excess moisture. If using a cap or case to cover your brush, make sure that it is one that allows air to flow in.
Mistake #10 – Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough – The ADA recommends using a new toothbrush every three or four months. If bristles look frayed or start to break apart, more frequent replacement may be necessary.
Spending just a little more time and attention on brushing technique could warrant much healthier results in the long term. Everybody needs to brush. We might as well make it time well spent!