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Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Cleaning Your Teeth


Regular brushing and flossing keep your teeth healthy and plaque-free. But many people make simple mistakes in their daily oral hygiene routine that limit how clean their teeth really get. Avoid these five common pitfalls to improve your dental care and keep your smile looking its best:

1.    Choosing the Wrong Type of Toothbrush

There are many kinds of toothbrushes to pick from, but certain styles are better than others for optimizing oral hygiene. Avoid hard-bristled brushes, which can damage tooth enamel and irritate gums. Soft or extra-soft bristles are ideal for gently massaging plaque away. Electric toothbrushes with rotating heads also provide a powerful yet gentle clean. Replace worn brushes every 3-4 months.

2.    Brushing Too Vigorously

Scrubbing your teeth with excessive force seems like it should get them cleaner, right? Wrong! Aggressive brushing can actually damage tooth enamel and wear it away over time. This also aggravates your gums, causing sensitivity and recession. Instead, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and brush gently in short circular motions. Let the bristles do the work. Concentrate on a few teeth at a time.

3.    Neglecting the Gum Line 

Plaque and bacteria like to gather in the tiny crevice between your gums and teeth. If not removed properly, it hardens into tartar and leads to gum disease. Unfortunately, this area often gets overlooked when brushing. Be sure to use gentle motions to scrub the gum line and avoid just brushing the surface of your teeth. This keeps harmful bacteria from taking hold.

4.    Not Brushing Your Tongue

While brushing removes plaque from your teeth, your tongue also harbors bacteria that cause bad breath. Germs and debris on the tongue's surface also transfer back to your teeth, starting the plaque-building process all over again. Make a habit of gently brushing your entire tongue each time you brush your teeth. Be sure to reach the back areas, too. This sweeps away stinky bacteria for fresher breath.

5.    Rinsing with Water Right after Brushing

After brushing, don't be too quick to rinse out your mouth. While it seems natural to wash away foam and residue, rinsing right away washes away much of the beneficial fluoride left behind by toothpaste. Instead, spit out excess toothpaste gently. Then, leave any remaining foam in place for a few minutes while the fluoride has a chance to strengthen and protect your enamel. After this time, it is safe to swig some water and rinse.

Bottom Line

By avoiding these common oral hygiene mistakes, you'll get more from your daily brushing sessions. Practicing proper technique ensures you thoroughly clean your whole mouth - teeth, gums, tongue, and all. Pair your improved brushing routine with daily flossing, and your smile will stay fresh, healthy, and radiant for years to come. Visit us at Carrum Downs Dental Group, and our dentist will offer you some personalized tips to maximize your unique oral anatomy for complete dental care. With the right habits, you can confidently flash that brilliant smile, knowing your teeth are in excellent shape.

Location: t5/100 Hall Rd, Carrum Downs VIC 3201, Australia

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