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You might be telling yourself right now that your dental hygiene habits are perfect, that you can keep following through with them to maintain your oral health. This may be the case for some people, but others might have habits that actually do more harm than good. In other words, they use bad brushing habits that actually ruin their oral health.
Are you worried that you may be putting your oral health in peril rather than improving it with your brushing habits? If so, here are a few brushing habits that are bad for you that you need to stop.
1. Brushing too hard
If you brush your teeth by pressing down hard on your toothbrush, it is time to stop. Brushing too hard will only damage your teeth and gums. Instead, you should brush gently. Remember, the purpose of brushing is to dislodge food and remove buildup, not scrub your teeth down.
2. Brushing too often
You may think that the more your brush, the healthier your teeth and gums will be. Unfortunately, this is not the case. If you brush more than twice a day, you can wear away at your enamel and hurt your gums. Brushing a third time would be alright if you had an awkwardly timed meal, but try to limit it to a maximum of twice a day.
3. Forgetting to floss
Many people brush, but only a handful floss. If possible, floss at least once a day. That is because floss can clean hard-to-reach places that your toothbrush cannot, allowing for more effective cleaning.
4. Brushing too quickly
You should brush at least 45 seconds to a minute each session. If you spend less time than that, it means your teeth and gums are not getting enough cleaning. Brushing for less than 45 seconds will leave your teeth only partially clean with some food and residue left behind.
5. Brushing right after eating
While we did mention that you should brush after eating, it is a mistake to brush immediately after a meal. You must wait at least an hour after eating before brushing. That is because if the food you ate was acidic, brushing immediately would cause these acids to spread all over your teeth. You need to give your body time to counteract the acid, so wait at least 60 minutes after a meal before brushing.
6. Not changing your toothbrush often
Your toothbrush is not built to last forever. They will deteriorate once you start using them, and after a while, the bristles will get frayed. Bacteria will also accumulate over time, so it is always a good idea to switch your toothbrush regularly. If you are using a traditional toothbrush, you need to replace it every three months. In the case of an electric toothbrush, you will have to swap out the bristles every three months as well.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many mistakes people make when caring for their oral health. They believe that they are doing the right thing, such as brushing as often as possible and brushing hard. However, they are actually hurting their oral health.
If any of the above mistakes are habits you currently practice, do your best to change them! In fact, following the tips can make brushing your teeth simpler and more effective. This leads to healthier teeth and gums, allowing you to smile your best!
Dental House MI is a dental practice that offers various dental services, such as oral surgery, restorative dentistry, dentures, and more. If you are looking for an affordable dentist in Ann Arbor to care for your oral health, book an appointment with us today!
