Common Mistakes In Brushing Teeth

1. Not Replacing Your Toothbrush
2. Circular Motions
3. Not Brushing Long Enough

We all know how important brushing our teeth is. It prevents dental problems and bad breath. Ever since we were kids, we were taught how to brush our teeth and are always reminded to do so at least twice a day or right after every meal. Now that we’re adults, we’ve probably done it thousands of times. Brushing our teeth for many years probably makes us experts at this activity. Right? Well, even with all the years of experience, there are still some things that we are doing wrong when it comes to toothbrushing. Mistakes that can do more harm than good and are just wastes of time. Read on and find out what those mistakes are so you can correct them or avoid them.

Not Replacing Your Toothbrush

An average bristle toothbrush can last up to 3 months or around 200 uses. Using it for more than 3 months is just a pointless exercise. The bristles are already worn out and frayed that they are no longer effective in removing food debris and stains on your teeth. Replace your toothbrush as soon as the bristles lose their flexibility.

Circular Motions

Since we can remember, most of us have been taught to brush our teeth in little circular motions. That is no longer the correct way of brushing our teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing back and forth in short strokes. Use this technique to brush the inner and outer surfaces of the teeth as well as the chewing surfaces. For the front teeth, tilt the toothbrush vertically and brush in an up and down motion.

Kid brushing his teeth by The Telegraph

Not Brushing Long Enough

It is already common knowledge that we need to brush our teeth for at least 2 minutes. Sounds easy, right? Do you know how long an average person brushes their teeth? 45 seconds. That’s right. Even the easiest part of brushing is not done properly. The reason why it is recommended to brush for at least 2 minutes is that the fluoride takes around that amount of time to bond with the enamel in our teeth. Give that extra minute and 15 seconds to have better dental health. It is worth it.