A new study on dental hygiene reveals that 3 in 10 millennials fail to brush their teeth regularly. Some even go for two days without brushing their teeth.
However, regular tooth brushing brings many benefits. Paired with once-a-day flossing, it protects your teeth from stains, decay, gum disease, and other serious dental issues.
You can further make the most of its benefits by eliminating these bad brushing habits from your routine:
Using a Brush for Too Long
According to the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA), 75% of Americans are not changing their toothbrush often enough. This heightens the risk of bacterial buildup on the bristles, which can lead to infections.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or when the bristles start falling out or fraying. When shopping for manual or powered toothbrushes, choose those with the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. Toothbrushes with this seal have been tried and tested for removing plaque.
Brushing Like It’s a Race
Experts recommend brushing for two minutes twice a day, allotting 30 seconds to each quadrant of your mouth. Unfortunately, most of us only spend 45 to 70 seconds brushing. Try breaking this habit by setting a timer.
Scrubbing Teeth Too Hard
Gentle strokes are all it takes to remove bacteria and food debris from your teeth. Too much force can damage your gums and teeth enamel, causing tooth sensitivity. Splayed bristles are a sign that you’re scrubbing your teeth harder than you need to.
Not Brushing Your Tongue
If you have bad breath, then you’re probably not giving your tongue enough TLC. After brushing your teeth, rinse the brush and gently scrub your tongue to eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. You can also use a tongue scraper designed specifically for this purpose.
Using Toothpaste with Harsh Abrasives
Less is more when it comes to toothpaste. The added abrasives found in some types of toothpaste can wear out teeth enamel and cause decay. Stick to brands with a Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) level lower than 250. You can find them at your local supermarket or drugstore—just make sure to check the label.
Brushing Right After Eating
Contrary to popular belief, brushing your teeth right after a meal can do more harm than good. This is especially true after eating acidic food and drinks like lemon, orange juice, and soda.
The brushing motion can sink the acid deeper into your teeth, causing enamel damage and erosion. The ADA recommends waiting 60 minutes after a meal, so your saliva can neutralize the acid.
Storing Your Brush Incorrectly
Avoid placing your toothbrush in a closed container as it encourages the growth of bacteria that can be harmful to your dental health. Instead, store it upright and leave it to air-dry after every use.
The Trusted Family Dentist in Scottsdale, AZ
Apart from keeping good brushing habits, routine dental checkups are also key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Rod W. Gore DDS provides top-notch dental care services to patients of all ages. We offer a wide range of dental procedures, including dental checkups, teeth cleaning, and restorative treatments.
When it comes to your teeth and gums, you deserve the best. Reach out to us today to get a free consultation.