Avoiding Common Brushing Mistakes

You may think you’re immune to brushing mistakes, especially since most adults have been brushing on their own for years. However, it may surprise you to learn how common it is for many people to unknowingly make mistakes when brushing their teeth. These mistakes may seem small, but they can do damage to your teeth if they are not corrected.

Here at Little Rockies Pediatric Dentistry, it’s important that you know these mistakes so that you can correct them yourself and teach your children how to properly brush their own teeth.

Common Brushing Mistakes

Below are 4 of the most common and damaging tooth brushing mistakes:

• Brushing too vigorously – There’s no need to brush your teeth too hard. In fact, brushing too hard is one of the leading causes of the weakening of tooth enamel. Once the enamel has been weakened, you’re more vulnerable to dental cavities and tooth sensitivity. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush your teeth gently.
• Not replacing your brush often enough – Your toothbrush should be replaced once the bristles begin to fray or after 4 months, whichever comes first. It’s also smart to replace your toothbrush after you’ve recovered from an illness such as a cold or the flu.
• Storing brushes improperly – Toothbrushes are often stored in bathrooms, which is fine, but it’s important to make sure they’re in an area where they won’t be subjected to germs. The best place to store your family’s toothbrushes is in the upright position inside of a closed cabinet or drawer. It’s also a good idea to use toothbrush covers, especially those with antibacterial coatings.
• Not brushing for long enough – You should be brushing your teeth for at least two minutes. Any less than this and you’re likely not brushing each surface of every tooth in your mouth. Use a timer or hum a 2-minute song to make sure that you’re brushing your teeth for the proper amount of time.

To make sure your teeth are healthy and you’re teaching your children the proper way to brush their teeth, please correct any brushing mistakes you may be making. In addition to brushing twice a day, you should also be flossing at least once daily and visiting the dentist every six months for a regular dental cleaning and a checkup.

To make an appointment for your child to receive a dental cleaning and exam, please contact Little Rockies Pediatric Dentistry. Our pediatric dental office is located here in Parker, Colorado.