There’s nothing to be embarrassed about if you are, most people aren’t brushing right. After all, there are so many different things to keep straight – the right kind of brush, the right type of toothpaste, when and how long, how hard you should be brushing… It’s a lot! So, here’s Crossroads Family Dentistry’s quick tips on what common mistakes you might be making.
When & How Long
It’s easy, just think “2” 2 times a day, 2 minutes each time. While brushing after every meal is excellent, it’s not necessary. As long as you brush once in the morning and once at night for the full two minutes, you’re good to go!
Toothbrush
Stay away from hard bristles, especially if you like to use a lot of pressure. You only want brushes that say “Soft” or “Extra Soft” to avoid damaging the enamel of your teeth.
Toothpaste
While we offer fluoride treatments to help keep your enamel strong, we back the official American Dental Association recommendation to only use toothpaste with fluoride to make sure you get enough of this vital mineral.
Pressure & Grip
Relax! There’s no need to brush at your teeth like you’re digging for dinosaur bones or squeeze your brush like somebody’s going to steal it (trust us, nobody wants your used brush). Take it easy, and you’ll find that not only will your brushes last longer, but your enamel will be that much stronger too. Oh, and make sure to hold your brush at the ADA recommended 45-degree angle!
Am I Doing Anything Else Wrong?
You can find out here if you’re making these other common toothbrushing mistakes, but the best way is by calling us today to set up an appointment so one of our first-class oral experts can take a look. If you would like to learn more or have additional questions, do not hesitate to give us a call today!