What You Shouldn’t Do When Brushing Your Teeth

Regular brushing is crucial for maintaining a dazzling smile and overall health and well-being. However, a dentist in Fort Lauderdale confirms that using the wrong tools and brushing techniques can negatively impact oral health. To help you avoid this, we’ve pulled together the common mistakes people make when brushing their teeth.

Common Brushing Mistakes You Should Avoid

Brushing Too Hard

You’re brushing too hard if the bristles on your toothbrush are frayed or flattened. Besides wearing out your tooth enamel and causing tooth sensitivity, overzealous brushing can cause gum recession. It’s important to note that the motion of your toothbrush, not the power of your stroke, does the cleaning.  

Experts generally recommend using light to moderate pressure when brushing teeth. To ensure you’re using the right pressure, you’ll want to hold your toothbrush with a relaxed grip before using gentle circular or back-and-forth motions. It’s best to avoid scrubbing too hard by letting the bristles do the work.

Using a Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

Over time, brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, leading to pain and sensitivity when the roots are exposed. It also causes gum irritation, bleeding, enamel wear, discoloration, and tooth decay.  

The stiff bristles make it more difficult to clean teeth evenly because they can’t reach all areas of the mouth. It’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits comfortably in your mouth to prevent causing damage to your teeth and gums.  

Not Brushing Long Enough

Dentists recommend brushing your teeth for at least two minutes. Although you may feel proper brushing takes a long time, you can’t effectively remove food particles and plaque unless you brush each quadrant of your mouth for around 30 seconds.  

Do You Need to See a Dentist in Fort Lauderdale?  

At 1500 Dental, we’re committed to providing the highest level of care in a professional environment. Contact us today to make an appointment.

‍