Toothbrush Hygiene: 4 Gross Toothbrush Mistakes To Avoid


Taking care of your teeth, gums, and oral hygiene will save you from dental problems like tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, etc. Research has found that 95% of Americans prioritize oral hygiene.  Despite that statistic, only 37% of them admit to flossing their teeth regularly.
Brushing your teeth is the number one way to keep your teeth clean on a daily basis. Experts suggest that we should brush our teeth after each meal. While this can be a difficult routine to keep up with, brushing your teeth in the morning and then before bed is a good routine too.
Having said that, many people make still brush their teeth the wrong way and this impacts their oral hygiene in the long run. 
 
Here are some of the mistakes to avoid:

Using the same toothbrush for too long

Like most things we use on a daily basis, our toothbrushes too face daily wear and tear. Dentists recommend patients to change their toothbrushes after every 3 months. Using a toothbrush over 3 months can cause it to be ineffective in removing plaque and bacteria.
The bristles break as they lose their flexibility. A frayed toothbrush will no longer cover all surfaces of your teeth when brushing too.
 Food particles and bacteria begin to build up in the toothbrush which is detrimental to your dental hygiene.

Not brushing your teeth for the recommended time

The recommended duration to brush your teeth is two minutes. Many people tend to underestimate 2 minutes and tend to brush their teeth for 30 to 40 seconds only. This duration isn’t enough to get rid of bacteria and food particles present in the mouth.
The technology used in toothbrushes has come a long way. Many electronic toothbrushes now come with smartphone apps that track how long you have been brushing your teeth and areas you need to improve on.

Rinsing with water after you brush

It’s a very common practice to rinse your mouth out with water once you’re done brushing your teeth. It helps remove any excess toothpaste from your mouth. However, rinsing your mouth after a tooth brushing session is known to cut down the efficiency of the fluoride present in toothpaste.
Fluoride is an important component of toothpaste that’s beneficial to the health of your teeth. It strengthens the teeth’s enamel and fights against decay.
Instead of water, opt for a fluoride-rich mouthwash to give your mouth a final rinse.

Using a hard bristle brush


While you may think that having a brush with harsh and abrasive bristles is a good way to deal with plaque buildup and bacteria, it’s actually doing your teeth harm. Stiff bristles on a toothbrush affect the surface of the teeth, the enamel. The enamel protects your teeth against decay, which needs to be preserved.
Always invest in the softest toothbrush you can find. Use circular motions when brushing your teeth and a light hand.
If you’re looking for a reliable dental care service in Germantown, visit us. Our dental clinic provides general and cosmetic dental procedures offered by experienced professionals. You can meet the team and have a look at the list of procedures we offer. Contact us at (301) 353-8890 for more information.

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