4 Bad Teeth Brushing Habits You Need To Avoid
Reports show that a quarter of the adult UK population brushes their teeth twice a day. Additionally, three out of ten Brits brush once a day, while only 3% of the population have had some teeth whitening done. Regardless of these numbers, research reveals that most people brush their teeth wrongly. That goes to show that brushing your teeth goes beyond using toothpaste and a cleaning tool. Below is a discussion on some of the most common habits when it comes to brushing teeth.
Applying excessive pressure on the teeth when brushing
First of all, you may have heard that milk teeth are fragile and tend to have soft enamel. For that reason, dentists recommend brushing children’s teeth with utmost gentleness and care. However, most people do not know that the same applies to adult or permanent teeth. Even though comparatively, they are stronger than milk teeth, adult dentition requires gentle brushing too. It explains why dentists advise against brushing the teeth with excessive force.
Medical research indicates that the gum line tends to be the weakest part of adult teeth. Therefore, brushing too hard in that area can result in minute abrasions that grow over time. Moreover, the gum itself can receive cuts leading to irritation, inflammation and great pain. So, the next time you get a hold of your toothbrush, remember to use it gently in your mouth.
Using the wrong brush
You may have already noticed that toothbrushes come in different bristle types. These are soft, medium and hard. Due to public misconception, most people believe stiff bristles clean the teeth better. Indeed, unless your dentist has prescribed a hard-bristled toothbrush, it may not be a good idea to use it. Unfortunately, stiff bristles can scrape away the tooth enamel, leading to more dental problems in the long term. A better option may be the soft or medium bristles.
Furthermore, frayed toothbrushes fail to clean the teeth properly. That explains why dentists recommend changing your toothbrush at least every three months. Apart from enhancing proper dental cleaning, changing the brush reduces the chances of using a bacteria-infested toothbrush.
Using the side to side brushing method
As surprising as this may sound, it is a bad brushing habit. This method damages teeth enamel faster than you would imagine. According to dentists, the proper brushing method is circular movement. Using this technique allows you to focus on a few teeth at a time. Moreover, it enables the bristles to dislodge food pieces trapped between the teeth.
So, if you have used the side to side brushing method to clean your teeth for years, please consider stopping the habit.
Home remedies as toothpaste
You may have come across several home remedies purporting to clean the teeth better than fluoride toothpaste. A pretty typical example is the baking soda mixture. Indeed, it is true that baking soda can clean tough dental stains, but it can be abrasive. There are even those who regularly use baking soda to whiten their teeth. Undoubtedly, this is dangerous and can cause long term damage to your teeth. If this is you, it may be time to book dentist online to seek immediate help to prevent further dental deterioration.
Ideally, your teeth should last you a lifetime. However, it will depend on how well you take care of them. Therefore, try to be deliberate in adopting positive habits that enhance your oral health.
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