8 Bad Brushing Habits That Harm Your Teeth

We all know the important reasons we brush our teeth – to prevent decay and of course, bad breath. But are you hurting instead of helping your teeth when you brush? There are a number of habits we are all guilty of when it comes to brushing. Here’s how you can learn break these bad habits to protect your pearly whites.

*You don’t brush for long enough.*

Most people don’t spend nearly enough time to brush their teeth. Most dentists recommend brushing for two or three minutes, but only a few people ever make it to that. Check your watch to see how long your routine takes.

*You’re not watching what you’re doing.*

Make sure to look in the mirror while you brush your teeth and see where the brush is actually going. It’s easy to miss areas right at the gum line, which is the most important part since that’s where plaque, tartar and bacteria can build up, causing gums to become inflamed and infected.

*Your technique needs a major makeover.*

When you’re brushing from side-to-side, those brittle rods can break, leading to cracks and weakening teeth. Remember: your teeth aren’t trees. Hold the brush so the bristles are at a 45-degree angle to the teeth’s surface and brush in small circles. Focus on a few teeth at once, then move on the next set. After you’ve completed your circles, brush away from the gum line to clear off loosened plaque and bacteria.

*You’re brushing too hard.*

The chances of enamel breakage are higher when you brush too hard. Aggressive brushing can be traumatic for sensitive gums, causing irritation and recession.

Choose the soft or ultrasoft brushes to minimize damage. If you’re willing to invest, another option is the electric toothbrush which is a great tool to help you brush longer and get you to the right places.

Also, your toothbrush collects germs. Make sure to replace a regular toothbrush every three months – much sooner however, if the bristles look worn, frayed and bent. To minimize the day-to-day germ growth, rinse your brush with hot water after use and allow it to dry completely.

*You have the wrong toothpaste.*

Baking soda toothpastes are good at getting stains out because they are abrasive but that also means they’re hard on enamel. It’s a trade-off that might not be worth it. As for whitening toothpastes, they don’t hurt your teeth.

*You’re failing at flossing.*

Flossing gets between your teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach. Most often cavities form on the surfaces where two teeth touch. Flossing isn’t actually optional. It’s the best way to keep cavity-creating colonies at bay.

Use your thumb and forefinger to gently work the floss between two teeth, being careful not to pull it roughly or saw it back and forth, both of which can injure the gum.

*You don’t rinse after.*

Rinsing after is a key step to make sure that bacteria leave your mouth for good. Swish with a germ-killing, alcohol-free mouthwash. If you don’t have a mouthwash, a good rinse-and-spit with water is better than nothing.

Source: youbeauty.com