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Dental Issues Author: Staff Editor Last Updated: Sep 7, 2017 - 10:06:33 PM



Tooth Brushing Mistakes That Are Placing Your Smile at Risk

By Staff Editor
May 12, 2017 - 2:14:47 PM



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(HealthNewsDigest.com) - As far as challenging duties go, tooth brushing doesn’t seem like a major feat. As a matter of fact, you’ve probably been practicing good oral hygiene since you were a toddler. Unfortunately, if you aren’t using good form, and the right tools, you may be placing your smile at risk.

Failing to Brush Long Enough

As a child, your parents may have instilled upon you good oral hygiene practices. But as you age, some may become lax, especially when it comes to teeth brushing. Based on the American Dental Associations recommendations, individuals should brush their teeth for at least two minutes. But so many people fail to meet the timed requirements.  A person’s perception of the amount of time they commit to the practice may also be misconstrued. To ensure that you’re spending the full two minutes brushing your teeth, look for an electric toothbrush that emits a sound when you’ve reached the marker. You can also set your smartphone alarm or a cooking timer. If you have children, this can be a fun activity to get them to brush thoroughly.

Vigorous Brushing

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a great while, you may be at a heightened risk for severe tooth decay. Dental implants are an available option to replace missing teeth. Using a titanium rod fused to the jawbone and dental crown placed on top, the implanted tooth functions just as well as your own teeth. But in order to prevent harming your gums, teeth and mouth, you want to refrain from vigorous brushing. You don’t need to overstress the tissue of the gums by pushing hard. You could even expose the roots of the tooth if the gums recede drastically. If the root is exposed, you could be at risk for cavities and tooth sensitivity. Moderate movements are enough to get the teeth cleaned twice per day.

Wrong Angle

Most brushers use straight across movement to clean the teeth. But this isn’t the recommended angle for brushing. Holding the brush at an angle of 45 degrees, use an upward or downward movement to sweep near the gun line. Form small circular O’s to clean both the top and bottom of your teeth. If you use an electronic tooth brush, the sonic devices are created to brush correctly for you when you hold it directly on the tooth.

Avoid Firm Bristles

Brushing utensils come in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes and firmness levels. But finding a bristle that is too firm can be harsh on your gums and teeth. It can even cause your gums to bleed. Most dentists recommend the ultra-soft or soft varieties for getting under the line of the gums.

Toothbrush is Too Big

Brushing your teeth a minimum of twice per day shouldn’t be an ordeal. When you’re looking for the right brush, avoid the toothbrush that is too big for your mouth. You want the brush to fit in your mouth comfortably. Something with a compact head can fit perfectly around hard-to-reach teeth and molars.

Keeping the Same Brush

Tooth brushes aren’t meant to be kept an entire year as they may contain bacteria and germs. The bristles can also experience normal wear and tear over time. If you notice your bristles frayed or damaged, your brush won’t work effectively to combat plaque and cavities. Get in the habit of switching out your tooth brush every three months.

Skip Brushing Before Bedtime

It’s not a good idea to get in the habit of skipping your tooth brushing ritual before bedtime. Along with bad breath, food particles caught in the teeth can cause tooth decay. Poor oral hygiene can also put you at a higher risk for heart disease. If you assist your children in getting ready for bed each night, make it a habit to brush your teeth nightly along with them.

You Never Floss

Dental floss should do more in your home than just collect dust. It’s a tool that is also instrumental in catching food caught in between the teeth. Although you may think tooth brushing alone fights cavities, flossing helps remove plaque. If you’re not a fan of floss, there are other products on the market to aid such as an electric flosser, wood dental sticks and bristled pick.

Dental disease is a serious problem that can harm your gums and teeth and lead to other serious health risks. Fortunately, you can avoid the complications that come with poor oral hygiene by improving your teeth brushing skills.

 

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