Brushing your teeth may sound like a simple enough task, but a surprising number of adults aren’t doing it the right way. Making sure you take care of your teeth correctly will greatly reduce the risk of dental health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. In today’s post, our dentists in Lancaster identify some of the most common mistakes we might be making when brushing our teeth.

 1. You’re using the wrong toothbrush

You might assume that a toothbrush with firmer bristles would be more effective at removing plaque and food particles, but you would be wrong. Hard bristles are more abrasive and can cause the enamel and gum tissue to weaken, which could result in more dental problems in the future.

2. You’re not brushing for long enough

Did you know that the average time adults spend brushing their teeth is 45 seconds? The recommended amount of time is 2 minutes, so make sure you’re not cutting it short! You can set a timer, or play a song to make sure you’re sticking to the 2-minute rule. There are also toothbrushes available with a built-in timer to make sure you’re brushing for the right amount of time.

 3. You are using an old toothbrush

Toothbrush bristles can become frayed over time and be less effective at cleaning your teeth, so it’s recommended that you change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

 4. You’re skipping the floss

Just like brushing, flossing is an essential part of your dental routine and should be done every day. Your toothbrush can’t reach some areas of your mouth, such as between your teeth, so flossing will help to remove built-up food and plaque that brushing doesn’t.

 5. You’re brushing too often

That’s right, it is possible to brush your teeth too often! Some people brush their teeth after every meal thinking that this is best for their teeth. But brushing too often can cause a breakdown of the enamel and can irritate your gums causing them to become sore.

 6. You’re not brushing the right way

When it comes to brushing your teeth, your technique is more important than you might think. You should brush gently and not be too harsh while brushing in circular motions rather than side to side to make sure that you are going high enough to get rid of plaque along the gum line.

What’s next?

At Viva Dental in Lancaster, we can arrange an appointment for a healthy mouth review to ensure you are taking care of your teeth correctly and give you any advice if needed. Just get in touch via our contact page to book your appointment today.