Six Bad Brushing Habits You Must Avoid

One of the major reasons for brushing teeth is to fight cavities (as well as prevent bad breath) But what if you are brushing your teeth wrongly making them more susceptible to cavities, tooth decay or gum disease? Find out what you are doing wrong and how to correct these bad brushing habits.

More: 10 teeth brushing tips you need to know

You may not be brushing correctly

Most times you tend to brush your teeth sideways or up and down but that’s wrong.To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gumline, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns or other restoration. Concentrate on thoroughly cleaning each section as follows:

• Clean the outer surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the inner surfaces of your upper teeth, then your lower teeth
• Clean the chewing surfaces
• For fresher breath, be sure to brush your tongue, too

You don’t brush for a long time

It is recommended that you spend enough time brushing your teeth, say two or three minutes as stipulated by most dentists. It has been observed that some people brush less than a minute, reason being that they are rushing off in the morning or too tired at night. To ensure you reach the two or three minutes mark, set a timer before you get started or use an electric toothbrush with a two minutes timer.

More: 9 Foods/drinks that cause yellow teeth and 6 easy ways to whiten teeth

You are not paying attention to what you are doing

Time time to look at the mirror closely while brushing to see where the brush is actually going. Pay attention to the gum line where plaque, tartar and bacteria can build up causing inflammation and infection. Also keep an eye on the back molars and look out for any abnormalities like chips, cracks etc.

You are brushing too hard

Brushing too hard tends to cause enamel breakage or serious gum bleeding. Proper brushing does not depend on the force with which you brush but on how thorough you are during the process.

You are using the wrong brush

Chances are you are using the wrong toothbrush so be sure to use soft or ultrasoft brushes for minimal damage. I would highly recommend Oral B or Sonicare soft brushes which have narrow rounded edges that go into the deep reaches of the mouth.

Your toothbrush can be a habitat for bacteria including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus so its advisable you replace them every three months.

You don’t rinse after.

Effective brushing and flossing unbind bacteria-laden plaque from the surface of teeth. Rinsing afterward is a key step to make sure that bacteria leave your mouth for good. Swish with a germ-killing, alcohol-free mouthwash, such as the new Listerine Zero, which doesn’t burn like regular Listerine. Or use a fluoride rinse to strengthen and fortify tooth enamel and prevent cavities. If you don’t have mouthwash, a good rinse-and-spit with water is better than nothing

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