Properly brushing your teeth is critical to maintaining good oral hygiene. However, many people rush through brushing or make mistakes that reduce this routine’s effectiveness for keeping your teeth and gums clean. We wanted to share a few tips with you today. Remember, one of the best ways to personalized advice is through your dental checkup. Schedule yours today if isn’t on the books! 

  • Not Brushing Long Enough

One of the most common mistakes is failing to brush your teeth for the full recommended two-minute timeframe. Rushing through the process in 30 seconds or less fails to fully remove plaque bacteria from tooth surfaces and near gum lines. Setting a two-minute timer that ensures you meet the minimum benchmark for thorough brushing. You should also consider investing in an electric toothbrush that has a built-in timer. This can also help you stay committed to the right timeframe.

  • Applying Too Much Pressure

It’s easy to scrub too vigorously and use excess pressure against teeth and gums when brushing. This can erode protective tooth enamel over time and irritate gums, leading to increased sensitivity. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and applying light to moderate pressure as you brush is optimal. Make sure you also angle your toothbrush towards your gumline. The toothpaste and brush motion do the cleaning, no need to scour like you are cleaning a pot.

  • Forgetting to Brush All Tooth Surfaces

Moving the toothbrush around your mouth randomly can lead to missing certain areas. Be systematic and brush all the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Don’t forget your back molars too! Those are often missed in brushing. Getting all sides of each tooth takes concentration and a region-by-region focus. Note areas in your mouth that need extra attention due to gaps or alignment issues.

  • Not Replacing Toothbrushes Often Enough

Toothbrushes wear down with repeated use over months and become less effective for plaque removal. They also accumulate bacteria inside the bristles, posing possible hygiene issues. Replace brushes every three or four months. Do so more frequently if the bristles look worn down or frayed. After recovering from a bout of flu or cold, replace your toothbrush as well to optimize oral health.

  • Forgetting to Brush Your Tongue

Bacteria, residue, and other debris on the tongue contribute to bad breath and other problems. Brushing your tongue during your routine reduces bacteria levels and freshens breath. Focus on brushing the rougher posterior portion of the tongue near the throat where the most buildup occurs. But be gentle, the tongue surface is sensitive.

Making these small adjustments will go a long way in your daily oral care routine. Clean teeth and healthy gums gives your smile an attractive appearance and supports good oral health. But technique is just as critical as using quality brushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash products. By avoiding these common errors when brushing your teeth will go a long way in protecting your smile.

Want to find out how you are doing when brushing your teeth? Call at 808-797-3680 for an appointment in Honolulu, HI. You can also request an appointment online.