The technique you use when brushing your teeth is more important than the act itself. Basically, if you brush too hard or use the wrong toothbrush, you may weaken or injure your gums. This may lead to a more serious dental issue. On the other hand, if you brush gently using the right toothpaste and toothbrush, your teeth will always remain healthy and clean.
The main problems associated with poor brushing practices are enamel wear and receding gums. These conditions cause tooth sensitivity, which typically means you can’t enjoy hot or cold drinks and food.
One way to know if you brush too hard is to look at the state of your toothbrush. A toothbrush that has been in use for 3 months or less should essentially look relatively new. If it’s frayed or flat, know your brushing technique is wrong.
What is The Right Way to Brush Your Teeth?
Different people use different brushing techniques, depending on their preferences and habits. However, dentists recommend using a simple, short and gentle regimen to minimize side effects. Basically, you can save your teeth from potential sensitivity by following these brushing tips :
Use The Right Toothbrush: Only buy and use a soft-bristled brush that has an American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Also, don’t use one toothbrush for more than 3 months.
For electric toothbrushes, the brush heads should also be replaced every 3 months. Just ensure the replacement head is compatible with the brush head and has an ADA seal.
Place Toothbrush at An Angle: Always place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. This is to enable the bristles to reach and clean the entire gum line. Remember, gums need cleaning too, to get rid of the sticky food particles.
The Technique: When brushing, move the brush gently, but firmly in back and forth motions. Keep the strokes short, but wide enough to cover enough teeth. Also, try holding the brush with a non-dominant hand. This helps to ensure a gentle grip throughout.
When using an electric toothbrush, don’t press it too hard on your teeth. Instead, hold it lightly against the teeth, and let the brush do the rest.
Don’t Overdo It: Brushing for 10 minutes won’t make your teeth any cleaner – it may only wear out the enamel coating. The focus should be on the technique, rather than the time. Ideally, you should only take about 2 minutes to brush your teeth (30 seconds on each quadrant)
If your sense of time is not good, consider using your phone timer, or set an alert on your electric toothbrush. Additionally, brush at least twice a day to reap the maximum benefits. Above all, only use ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth.
In Summary
Brushing your teeth is fundamentally about removing all remaining food particles, preventing cavities and keeping dental illnesses at bay. However, doing it the wrong way may cause serious dental issues. Hopefully, you are now informed about the things to do and not to do when brushing your teeth.