Brushing your teeth is an essential part of oral hygiene, but many people (even us at Dose of Dental) make common mistakes that can impact the effectiveness of their oral care routine. Here are three common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth:
1: You're Not Brushing For Long Enough
One common mistake is not brushing for the recommended two minutes. Many people rush through their brushing routine, spending only 30 seconds to a minute brushing their teeth.
We actually did a little “study” in dental school and had everyone brush for what they thought was two minutes and timed them (without them knowing).
IT WAS ALL OVER THE BOARD.
Some people only brushed for 35 seconds, some for 1.5min, and even an outlier that brushed for 3 minutes. That being said - it is hard to know unless you time yourself. To ensure you're brushing long enough, consider using a timer or a toothbrush with a built-in timer.
Does Brushing For 2 Minutes Really Matter?
Brushing for two minutes is really important because inadequate brushing time can leave behind plaque and food particles, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Try dividing your mouth into quadrants and spend about 30 seconds on each quadrant for a thorough clean.
I was adamant that I brush for two minutes ... until I timed myself. I was only brushing for a little over a minute - yikes.
One of the best investments I made for my routine: using a toothbrush that has a built in timer. It vibrates 4 times during a 2 minute cycle so I know when to switch to a different quadrant of the mouth.
2: You're Using Too Much Pressure
Applying excessive pressure while brushing can be harmful to your teeth and gums. Brushing too hard can lead to enamel wear, gum recession, and tooth sensitivity.
It's important to use a gentle, circular motion when brushing, rather than scrubbing vigorously.
Let the bristles of your toothbrush do the work. In addition to light pressure it is also important to use a soft or extra-soft bristle toothbrush to minimize the risk of damage. I like to tell people to use light pressure - essentially two fingers on the brush and that is it.
ESPECIALLY, if you have an electric toothbrush. Let the brush do the work. If at the end of your brush’s life (sad) the bristles are flattened or slanting outward - you are applying too much pressure. Be mindful when you're brushing - your teeth and gums will thank you.
3: You're Neglecting Your Tongue And Gums
Some people focus solely on brushing their teeth and forget to clean their tongue and gums. Bacteria can accumulate on the tongue and along the gumline, contributing to bad breath and oral health issues.
To properly care for your mouth, gently brush your tongue and the inside of your cheeks, and use a tongue scraper. This is often skipped and we can tell at your check up visit because the tongue harbors bacteria and changes color.
Don't forget to brush along the gumline to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. To lower the bacterial load in your mouth and give your saliva a fighting chance of preventing cavities - it is imperative you brush your gums along with your tongue.
I know some of us have a terrible gag reflex - no need to play tonsil hockey - but try to get back there…little by little.
Conclusion
In addition to these mistakes, it's also important to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months or when the bristles show signs of wear.
Some bristles change color, some will shorten - it depends on the brand and style of bristle you use. Check our blog on toothbrush hygiene -> Read it HERE.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also crucial for maintaining good oral health. At these visits we are able to remove anything that has hardened in your mouth that you are unable to remove at home. This sets you up for success to help prevent cavities, but also to prevent gum disease.
As always, we are happy to hear from you. Please reach out with any dental questions. Dr. Rusty and I would be thrilled to answer them!
