Bayside Family Dentist Helps Break Bad Brushing Habits
We should always be working to do better with our oral care routine. That’s how we ensure that our teeth and gums remain healthy. There are seven everyday brushing habits that your Bayside family dentist thinks you should break if optimal dental care is something you desire.
Brushing Too Fast
It’s crucial that you brush two minutes at a time at least twice per day. You can’t brush thoroughly if you don’t spend the time. If you need to, just set a timer so you know when you’ve reached your goal.
Brushing Too Hard
This is almost as dangerous as not brushing at all. Be easy with your gums and teeth. While you might think that scrubbing forcefully will remove additional plaque, it won’t. All it will do is erode the gum and enamel surface.
Brushing With an Old Toothbrush
Changing your toothbrush with each season change is important. That means that every three to four months, you need to treat yourself to a new brush. Do it sooner if the bristles are frayed or worn out. If you attempt to use an old toothbrush, it won’t be sufficient to remove plaque.
Brushing Too Soon
If you’ve eaten an acidic meal, wait at least thirty minutes before brushing. This is especially true if your meals included grapefruit or lemons. These acids soften your enamel surface for a short time. Brushing when your enamel is weakened only speeds up the process of erosion. Instead, opt to rinse your mouth with water or chew on a piece of sugarless gum. This helps to neutralize the acid in your meal.
Storing Your Toothbrush Improperly
It’s vital that your toothbrush air dry once you’ve finished brushing. That means you don’t want to store it in an airtight container. If it’s allowed to remain wet, bacteria will multiply and thrive on the bristles.
Using a Toothbrush with Hard Bristles
You must always choose a toothbrush that has soft bristles. This offers just the right cleaning power. Medium or hard bristles are too abrasive and lead to tooth sensitivity.
Brushing Your Teeth Wrong
You need to learn proper brushing technique if you want to remove plaque. Talk to your Bayside family dentist and ask for a demonstration on the right way to clean your teeth. Then, you are armed and ready to fight bacteria once and for all.
Our office can be reached at 718-279-9700, give us a call today to schedule your next appointment.