7 Brushing Mistakes You Could Be Doing

We all do it at least twice a day since we were very young—so brushing is pretty simple and easy, right? Well, not really. Check out this list for ways that you could be putting your dental health at risk.

1. Brushing too fast

Source: Dentaltown

 According to the American Dental Association, two minutes is the ideal length of brushing time. Timed studies show that a lot of people don’t realize that they are falling short. Next time you brush your teeth, time yourself to be sure!

2. Brushing too hard

Source: Complete Health News

 Some people think they are cleaning their teeth better if they brush really hard, but it could actually put pressure on the gum and cause it to recede. When part of the tooth’s root is exposed, it is more prone to cavities and more sensitive to hot and cold.

3. Holding the brush the wrong way

Source: Vibrant Smiles

Instead, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle so the bristles can clean under the gum line where plaque can hide. Gently brush in small circles over the teeth.

4. Using firm bristles

Source: The Dental Check

When buying a toothbrush, dentists recommend going for the soft or ultra-soft bristles. These can gently clean under the gum line, unlike the firm- and medium-bristled brushes.

5. Using a big brush

Most people would be more comfortable using toothbrushes with a small head. This allows the brush to reach into the back of the mouth to clean those molars.

6. Not changing often enough

Source: The Irish Times

 Toothbrushes should be changed every three months to make sure that they are always working well.

7. Skipping brushing time

 Some people think that it’s okay to go to bed without brushing as long as it doesn’t happen too often. Not true. Studies show that 98% of all dental disease can be prevented by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Ideally, this must be coupled with daily flossing and regular dental check-ups.

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