A new year is upon us. Dr. Lin would like to have you break some bad brushing habits. There are many people out there that go through their daily brushing routines not knowing that they might have bad brushing habits. Below your Family Dentist at Smiles of Round Lake sheds some light on was a few bad brushing habits can be.
Holding on to your toothbrush for too long
Just like the food we eat, our toothbrushes also have expiration dates on them. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you change your toothbrush every three months. After 3 months of use, your toothbrush has become a feeding ground for bacteria to grow. The frayed and worn bristles will no longer be able to keep your teeth clean.
Not brushing your teeth long enough
Did you know that the average person only brushes their teeth for 45 seconds? The Mayo Clinic recommends you should spend 2 minutes brushing your teeth. This time frame gives enough time for the fluoride in the toothpaste to work. Plus it allows time to make sure you are brushing those germs and plaque away.
Brushing right after you eat
You might’ve heard that you should brush your teeth after each meal. This is actually not true at all because it is good to wait up to 60 minutes before brushing. Acidic foods take longer to process. You could be pushing the acidic food deeper into your teeth causing your enamel to break down. Waiting the 60 minutes allows for your saliva to help break down the acidity. It also helps to drink and rinse out your mouth with water too.
Using the wrong type of toothbrush for you
All toothbrushes are not created equal. Typically, it’s not recommended to use hard-bristle brushes because they can often cause damage to your teeth and gums. Soft-bristle brushes can give you the same clean without being so abrasive on your teeth and gums. You can learn more about choosing the right toothbrush over at colgate.com. Please ask, Dr. Lin at Smiles Of Round Lake if you are unsure which toothbrush you should use during your next checkup.
Neglecting to brush tongue and gums
Our tongue can house bacteria that not only lead to bad breath but can also cause dental health issues. You want to make sure that besides brushing your teeth, you should also brush your tongue and gums to keep a healthy mouth.
Brushing your teeth too hard
People often apply too much pressure to the toothbrush thinking they are cleaning their teeth better. Unfortunately, applying too much pressure can create notches in your teeth called abfraction lesions. It is eventually going to get worse and do damage to the inner parts of your teeth. Your gums can also become irritated or damaged from hard brushing. Make sure you brush your teeth gently.
After reading this blog, we hope you have figured out how to stop your bad brushing habits. Are you overdue for a teeth cleaning or oral exam? At Smiles of Round Lake, Dr. Lin is here to assist you. Contact us online or give us a call at 847-546-1542 to schedule your appointment, and take control of your oral health.