Common Toothbrush Mistakes We Never Know We Make

Brushing your teeth is very important for oral health, but do you know the right way to brush your teeth? Well, the correct way of brushing can significantly impact your oral health. So, you should avoid making some common mistakes that most people make. Here is the list of some toothbrush mistakes you must be careful about:

Mistake 1: Using Wrong Toothbrush Type

The most common toothbrush mistake is using the wrong type of toothbrush. Two styles of toothbrushes are available in the market: manual and electric. You can choose one that feels comfortable and makes you want to brush your teeth daily. A manual brush is portable, and you can use it anytime. It does not make any noise, and you can fully control its pressure on your teeth or gums.

An electric brush needs timely charging, and it makes noise while brushing. Moreover, the rotating movement of its bristles makes cleaning the space between gum line and teeth easy. Many electric toothbrushes have sensors that control the pressure you put on the teeth. Some toothbrushes also have timers that indicate how long a person should brush. You can easily find different types of electric brushes online at reasonable prices.

Another important factor you must consider is the size of the toothbrush, especially if your mouth is smaller. Toothbrushes come in various sizes with different types of handles. Therefore you can easily get confused by several options. So choose the dental toothbrush wisely and keep it clean.

Mistake 2: Not Switching Toothbrushes

Many people do not realise that they need to switch their toothbrushes regularly. Old toothbrushes are less effective in removing bacteria or plaque from the teeth. Moreover, they increase the risk of getting affected by gum diseases. So, it would be best to change a toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if its bristles get worn or frayed. 

Mistakes 3: Brushing Too Hard

Some people think brushing teeth harder with a hard bristle version will remove more bacteria, but it is not true. Too much pressure on teeth may damage the gums. So, be gentle while you brush your teeth.

Mistake 4: Brushing Too Soon

Brushing teeth at the wrong time is another mistake people make—for example, brushing teeth after a meal is a popular belief. But it is wrong as it may do more harm than good. It is because more acid becomes in the mouth after a meal. So, brushing teeth at that time may cause dental erosion easily. Therefore, it would be best to wait 15 to 20 minutes after a meal. It gives a chance to saliva to neutralise excess acids in the mouth. 

Mistake 5: Using Wrong Brushing Technique

Many people use the wrong brushing technique, which leads to ineffective cleaning and increased plaque in certain areas. The correct brushing method uses short, circular strokes at the gum line and works in the opposite direction from the gums. Also, put light pressure on teeth and gums to avoid damage. 

Mistake 6: Incorrect Storage of your Toothbrush

Many people make the mistake of storing the toothbrush in an enclosed place. Though it is good when you travel, it is not an excellent way to keep the toothbrush at home. The container may become moist if you store a toothbrush directly after brushing. Moisture is conducive for bacterial growth. So, placing a toothbrush in the open space would be best.

After using a toothbrush, rinse it properly and ensure that there is no debris and toothpaste on its head. Also, keep it in the upright position to let gravity dry it out and drain its water. In addition, ensure that the brush does not touch the dirty surface. So, put it in a place where it can not come into contact with dirty water.

Mistake 7: Rinsing Mouth with Water

Many people rinse toothpaste out of their mouths after brushing. But when you rinse it out with water, it also rinses away the fluoride. What you don’t know is that fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth. So, instead of rinsing your mouth, just spit out the toothpaste as much as you can and wipe your mouth.

Mistake 8: Not Brushing the Tongue

Your tongue has a rough surface; therefore, harmful bacteria settle on it and around your gums and teeth. Once the bacteria sits on your tongue, it leads to bad breath. So, eliminate odour-causing bacteria by brushing your tongue whenever you brush your teeth.

Mistake 9: Ignoring Floss 

Flossing is very important once a day to remove plaque efficiently from places in your teeth where your toothbrush can not reach. If you neglect to floss, you may have harmful bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease. So, make it a habit to floss daily. 

Bonus Tips

If you avoid making the above mentioned mistakes, you can improve your oral health significantly. Also, ensure you brush your teeth with your toothbrush as your body can not fight with someone else’s germs. Finally, consult your doctor if you are unsure of anything related to oral hygiene.