Patients think they have to press the toothbrush hard to remove plaque. However, this attitude is incorrect and even harmful to oral health. Brushing should be done with gentle strokes that remove plaque as well as possible. The most important thing is not the strength of the pressure, but sufficient cleaning time and the right movements. Brushing too hard can lead to faster wear and gum recession.
Using your toothbrush too long
Do you know how long you have been using your current toothbrush? When you open a new pack, it’s a good idea to remember the date. The average lifetime of a toothbrush is three months. After about 200 uses, the bristles become worn and distorted and are no longer able to clean as well. It is therefore recommended to replace your toothbrush every 2-3 months.
You are in a hurry when brushing your teeth
The constant rush is ingrained in our subconscious. We rush to eat, we rush to work, we rush to brush our teeth. This is our daily routine. But this means not cleaning our teeth well enough, which leads to problems later on: tooth decay, gum disease. It is recommended to spend 2 minutes brushing your teeth. This is enough time to remove plaque build-up and to get the fluoride in the toothpaste into the teeth. To help you keep track of time, you can use an hourglass, a phone timer or an electronic toothbrush with a built-in timer.
Not cleaning your tongue
Brushing your teeth alone is not enough to keep your mouth healthy and clean. Bacteria live on your tongue too. They often cause bad breath, so it’s a good idea to keep tongue hygiene in mind. This can be done with a special cleaning product or with a regular toothbrush, which usually has a tongue scraper on the other side.
Not flossing
This is one of the most common mistakes patients make. It is important to know that even if you brush your teeth very thoroughly, small food debris can remain stuck in the outermost corners of the gums, which the brush cannot reach. If they stay there for a long time, they can cause tooth decay. That’s why so many tooth decay problems occur in the gums. To clean them effectively, you should floss at least once a day.
So, how many of the mistakes described here do you make every day? If none, then congratulations – you’re a champion brusher. You should continue your impeccable oral hygiene. And if you’ve found places you could improve, now’s the time to start building new oral hygiene habits. It could even be one of your goals for the new year!
