We all know that regularly brushing our teeth is one important practice that allows us to attain good oral hygiene. But don’t assume that just because you are brushing regularly your smile is already out of the woods.
Actually, the very act of brushing your teeth can be the one that is putting your smile in some form of danger, particularly if you are not doing it correctly — you can damage both your pearly whites and gums!
Worried that you may be brushing your chompers the wrong way all this time? Then continue reading this article. Below you will come across some of the worst brushing habits that are not doing your beautiful smile any favor.
Not Using a Toothbrush That’s Right for You
Make sure that the toothbrush you are currently using suits you perfectly. Check that you do not have a hard time holding it — if you do, you may fail to brush your teeth very well, and you may also risk hurting your gums.
Wondering if it’s better to go for a manual or electric toothbrush? Although many studies have shown that electric ones do better jobs, it is a good idea for you to ask your dentist to help you make the right choice.
Going for Bristles That are Too Hard or Too Soft
The bristles are the ones that actually do the cleaning of your chompers. It’s exactly for this reason why you should opt for the right bristles when shopping for a toothbrush.
See to it that the bristles are not hard enough as to harm your teeth and gums, and not soft enough as to ineffectively clean your mouth. To be safe, opt for medium bristles, although it’s best to ask your dentist about this matter.
Brushing Your Pearly Whites Aggressively
No matter if you are using the softest bristles in town, it means nothing if you are brushing your teeth like there’s no tomorrow. If you think that brushing aggressively can give you the smile of your dreams, think again!
Experts say that brushing too hard can actually damage your teeth, easily leading to tooth sensitivity and weakening. It’s also something that can harm your gums, the ones that keep your teeth in place and also nourish them.
Spending a Really Long Time Brushing
It’s true that the enamel, which is the protective covering of each of your pearly whites, is the hardest substance in the body. But it doesn’t mean that it is impervious to damage.
Dentists say that you should refrain from brushing your teeth for a really long time each time. As a general rule of thumb, you should spend only about 2 minutes brushing.
Reaching for Your Toothbrush Not Often Enough
Usually, it’s a good idea for you to brush your chompers twice a day — once upon waking up in order to get rid of your morning breath, and another at bedtime to remove bacteria and plaque that can harm both teeth and gums.
But if you’re someone who loves consuming foods with lots of sugar or starch, consider brushing your pearly whites more often — reach for your toothbrush after eating a particularly sugary or starchy treat.
