Brushing the teeth is the most commonly recommended oral hygiene practice in the world, but surprisingly, many people still do it incorrectly. The following are four common tooth brushing mistakes and how to remedy them.
1. Brushing too hard
The purpose of brushing the teeth is to remove plaque, the film of bacteria, bits of food, and saliva residue that forms on the teeth and causes tooth decay. Plaque is soft and does not require a heavy hand to brush away. Plaque that has hardened to tartar is removed by dental scaling performed by a dental health professional. It cannot be removed by brushing alone.
In addition, brushing teeth with too much force can wear down and create notches in enamel and cause the gums to recede.
To avoid brushing teeth too aggressively, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in a gentle, circular motion.
2. Brushing too quickly or too long
Some people brush their teeth for too long while others don't brush for long enough.
Speeding through the process won't leave a person with enough time to clean teeth and the surrounding areas thoroughly. Brushing for too long, on the other hand, can lead to receding gums, sensitivity, and damage to the dentin area around the roots of teeth.
Most experts recommend brushing teeth for two to three minutes.
3. Brushing just the teeth
Harmful, cavity-causing bacteria can be found in the entire mouth, not just on the teeth. When brushing, make sure to go over the gums, cheeks, and tongue. Flossing can also remove food particles stuck between teeth that regular toothbrushes can't reach.
4. Not caring for dental implants and prosthetics
Just like real teeth, dental implants and the prosthetics they anchor need to be cleaned thoroughly and regularly to prevent gum disease. If bacteria accumulate at the base of an implant, it could lead to inflammation, and eventually, peri-implant disease, a type of periodontal disease that affects people with dental implants.
Brush dental implants regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use an interdental brush to remove gently food particles and bacteria from the space between the prosthetic and the gums.Simply practicing proper brushing technique can go a long way in preventing tooth decay and other dental problems.
Dr. John Pasqual is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. For more articles on dental health, subscribe to this blog.
1. Brushing too hard
The purpose of brushing the teeth is to remove plaque, the film of bacteria, bits of food, and saliva residue that forms on the teeth and causes tooth decay. Plaque is soft and does not require a heavy hand to brush away. Plaque that has hardened to tartar is removed by dental scaling performed by a dental health professional. It cannot be removed by brushing alone.
In addition, brushing teeth with too much force can wear down and create notches in enamel and cause the gums to recede.
To avoid brushing teeth too aggressively, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in a gentle, circular motion.
2. Brushing too quickly or too long
Some people brush their teeth for too long while others don't brush for long enough.
Speeding through the process won't leave a person with enough time to clean teeth and the surrounding areas thoroughly. Brushing for too long, on the other hand, can lead to receding gums, sensitivity, and damage to the dentin area around the roots of teeth.
Most experts recommend brushing teeth for two to three minutes.
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| Image source: huffingtonpost.ca |
3. Brushing just the teeth
Harmful, cavity-causing bacteria can be found in the entire mouth, not just on the teeth. When brushing, make sure to go over the gums, cheeks, and tongue. Flossing can also remove food particles stuck between teeth that regular toothbrushes can't reach.
 |
| Image source: healthtap.com |
4. Not caring for dental implants and prosthetics
Just like real teeth, dental implants and the prosthetics they anchor need to be cleaned thoroughly and regularly to prevent gum disease. If bacteria accumulate at the base of an implant, it could lead to inflammation, and eventually, peri-implant disease, a type of periodontal disease that affects people with dental implants.
Brush dental implants regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use an interdental brush to remove gently food particles and bacteria from the space between the prosthetic and the gums.Simply practicing proper brushing technique can go a long way in preventing tooth decay and other dental problems.
Dr. John Pasqual is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. For more articles on dental health, subscribe to this blog.
