Brushing teeth is one of the things that we do automatically. What many of us have no idea: We often make mistakes that can seriously damage our teeth.
Brushing teeth twice a day is part of the everyday routine for most people. We often don’t even think about it, we brush our teeth like on an autopilot. What many are not aware of is that some things can go wrong. And it is not uncommon for us to damage our teeth and gums by brushing our teeth.
Time to take a close look at your own toothbrushing routine. Here are the most common mistakes when brushing teeth and tips on how to do better in the future.
Mistake # 1: Brush Teeth Immediately After Eating
Most people know that they should brush their teeth before going to bed. But when is the best time to brush your teeth in the morning? Right after breakfast? At least, many believe that and pick up a toothbrush after eating.
Unfortunately, that can be a fatal mistake. The reason: if you have eaten or drunk something that attacks the enamel, the immediate brushing will also damage the teeth. Meltivores include acidic foods such as fruit or fruit juices but also lemonades or vinegar-containing foods. They soften the enamel. The result: tooth erosion. You can recognize the beginning of tooth erosion, for example, by the glassy areas on the edges of the teeth or by the fact that your teeth are sensitive to the cold.
The problem is made worse if you pick up your toothbrush shortly after eating or drinking the acidic foods. Heavy scrubbing in particular can then further damage the tooth enamel, which is already attacked.
Better: wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth . Those who, like most of us, probably don’t have time during the week, can brush their teeth without hesitation before breakfast.
Mistake # 2: Brush Your Teeth Too Hard
Especially when things have to be done quickly, many follow the motto: the harder you scrub the better. Unfortunately, this is a very common and dangerous mistake. Because if you put too much pressure on your teeth and gums and possibly use a toothbrush with extra hard bristles, you will damage your tooth substance and gums more than you think.
Brushing too hard creates signs of wear on the teeth, making them more susceptible. In addition, gum injuries and, in the worst case, gum infections can occur.
Better: when brushing your teeth, just apply gentle pressure. It’s best to test your tooth brushing routine on the back of your hand. If the scrubbing feels too tight and uncomfortable, you should use a little less force.
Mistake # 3: Brush Your Teeth Too Quickly
Those who brush their teeth by hand often try to save time by brushing faster. The problem: If you are hectic, you often miss places and do not remove the plaque on the tooth necks carefully enough. If you do not take enough time to brush your teeth and do not do enough, tooth by tooth, tooth decay can result.
Better: plan enough time to brush your teeth in your bathroom routine. By the way, experts recommend brushing your teeth thoroughly for 3 minutes, proceeding tooth by tooth, so that no area is overlooked.
Mistake # 4: Brush Your Teeth All Over The Place
Another mistake that often goes hand in hand with hectic brushing of teeth: the teeth are simply brushed in a criss-cross manner. The main thing is that the toothbrush and the foam of the toothpaste briefly touched each tooth.
It is not only that the canines are often neglected, namely at the moment when one grips the toothbrush. The hectic, often circular scrubbing also ensures that the tooth necks are not cleaned thoroughly. Inflammation of the gums or periodontal disease can result.
Better: acquire a firm tooth brushing routine. Starts on one side and first cleans the tooth of the chewing surface by tooth. Then the back of each tooth and then the front. When you get to the middle, take the other side.
Mistake # 5: Neglect Gums
Buying an electric or an ultrasonic toothbrush is a good step on the way to a better toothbrush routine. But traps are also lurking when using these expert models. One of them: you only brush your teeth and neglect your gums.
Better: incorporate a gum massage into your routine. Gentle (!), Circular movements stimulate blood circulation and keep the gums healthy. It is also very important that you do not take bleeding gums lightly. If you regularly suffer from bleeding gums, you should definitely check with your dentist. Because behind it can be serious diseases such as gingivitis.
Mistake # 6: Forgotten Interdental Spaces
If you brush your teeth thoroughly for 3 minutes twice a day, you will get some things right. But you shouldn’t make the mistake of resting on it. Because then you forget the interdental spaces. This is where tooth deposits and thus caries-causing bacteria like to make themselves comfortable.
Better: To prevent tooth decay, inflammation of the gums, and tooth loss, you should floss at least once a day in addition to brushing your teeth. Be thorough and clean every tooth space. Tip: If you don’t get along well with conventional dental floss, you can also use dental floss sticks. Your disadvantage: they cause more plastic waste.
Mistake # 7: Use Wrong Toothpaste
Unfortunately, there are many dangerous health myths that persist. This includes the misconception that toothpaste with fluoride damages teeth and is even toxic. The conspiracy theory: Manufacturers would poison people on purpose to boost sales of dental care products or expensive treatments.
In fact, the opposite is true: according to dentists, only toothpaste that contains fluoride can reliably protect teeth from tooth decay. So look at the ingredients of your toothpaste. In order for it to protect your teeth reliably, it must contain fluoride.
Mistake # 8: Change Toothbrush Too Rarely
Be honest: when was the last time you changed your toothbrush? If you have been using your toothbrush or current toothbrush head for more than 8 weeks, it is urgent to dispose of it.
Not only do the bristles wear out over time, but more and more germs abound in the toothbrush. Not a nice thought to brush your teeth every day, is it?