Brushing our teeth is something we do so often it is quite probable we can carry out the activity on a subconscious level. If you’ve been making any of these mistakes during this part of your oral hygiene, you may in more trouble than you think.

What are the most common tooth brushing mistakes?

Keeping your toothbrush until the bristles are frayed, using a brush with hard bristles and brushing right after a meal three mistakes that top most specialists lists.

You should change your toothbrush every three to four months whether it shows signs of wear or not. Frayed and worn bristles cannot clean your teeth properly and makes every minute you spend using it futile. Buying your annual supply is easy as most merchants now provide sets of 3 and 4 brushes.

We can be tempted to put some elbow grease in when cleaning our teeth but this is one instance where tenacity is not a reflection of efficiency and can actually do more harm than good. A gentle brush not only gets the job done but it protects your teeth and gums from damage.

Much like swimming you should wait at least one hour after a meal before engaging in this activity. Your enamel is already in a weakened state from crushing your food, proceeding to brush it can further weaken it which can easily cause increased damage and corrosion.

How many times should brushing be done in a 24-hour period?

At the very minimum, you should brush your teeth twice a day. This can generally be done in the morning when you have awakened and again at night before you go to sleep. Ideally three times a day is the number you should strive for. When you brush your teeth as often as you eat, you minimize the speed at which bacteria are allowed to grow as well as the concentration of them present at any time. Waiting at least 20 minutes after eating is a good idea. If you don’t have the time, make sure to rinse your mouth with water before you brush.

Should I use mouthwash as part of my oral routine?

Mouthwash can reach areas of your mouth that your brush may not be able to, however, if your rinse does not contain fluoride it is not advisable to use it immediately after brushing as it can wash away the layer of fluoride left by the toothpaste and end up doing more harm than good. In this instance it is best to choose alternative times during the day to apply this additional step. Dentists have different opinions and practices about mouthwash so make sure to consult with your dentist.

Related Questions

Can you die of gum disease?

Not directly, however, the bacteria in your mouth from gum disease, if left untreated can attach itself to other organs such as the heart and surrounding valves which can result in heart disease. Endocarditis is a serious condition that can indeed result in death.

What can you expect with a dental deep clean?

Your dentist will use tools to remove plaque and tartar from under the gum line a feat which cannot be accomplished by brushing alone.

Developing the right habits and using the right technique now are key to ensuring your continued and improved dental health which will be of immense benefit as you get older and your mouth begins to show signs of aging.

Striving for optimal dental health for each patient is at the core of our Commerce MI dental office. Twice daily tooth brushing is at the top of the list and doing it the right way makes a difference. Maintaining your oral health helps to deter a host of oral problems and can limit the need for dental treatments such as dental crowns, dentures, bridges, and fillings.

When it comes to improving your smile, Dr. Sedki uses the latest dental techniques and procedures related to cosmetic dentistry. Call our Commerce dental office today and schedule a Free dental consultation!