Taking control of your oral health is always a good idea. The better you take care of your teeth at home, the more pleasant your visits to the dentist will be. But there are many misconceptions when it comes to teeth cleaning. Keep reading to find out which dental care mistakes you might be making and how to correct them.
Your Brushing is Too Forceful
When you have stubborn stains on your teeth, you may think brushing harder will help get rid of them, but that isn’t a good idea. Brushing your teeth shouldn’t be like cleaning stubborn stains from the grout between your bathroom tiles. You should think of it as more of a massage. Forceful brushing can actually result in you brushing away your enamel, which is what gives your teeth their white color and glossy shine. Once your enamel is gone, it cannot grow back. This will leave your dentin exposed, making your teeth more vulnerable to hot and cold sensitivity.
You Ignore Your Gum Line
Plaque and bacteria have a habit of lurking along the gum line, or the space where your teeth and gum meet. You don’t really need to brush hard to clean this area. Just hold your soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, and gently make small, circular motions.
You Aren’t Using the Right Toothbrush
When you step into the dental care aisle at your local grocery store, the variety of toothbrushes can be overwhelming. But when selecting a brush, you want to make sure that you have the right coverage for your dental needs. For example, if you have difficulty keeping your molars free of cavities, a rounded or diamond-shaped head will clean them better than one that is square. You should also make sure you’re using a brush with soft bristles. Hard and medium bristles can damage both your gums and your enamel. Soft bristles will make getting into crevices and reaching below the gum line much easier and more comfortable.
You Brush Too Soon After Eating
The commitment to getting rid of cavity-causing bacteria might make you want to brush right after you finish eating, but it’s not the best idea. The acid from your food and bacteria have begun to weaken your enamel and your saliva hasn’t had the chance to neutralize it. It’s best to wait 15 to 20 minutes after eating before brushing.
Taking steps to improve your oral health is always a good thing. Correcting these mistakes will definitely help get your dental care routine back on track. Soon, you’ll have a dazzling smile to show for it.
About the Author
Since 2012, Dr. Nicholas Brong has been helping patients achieve and maintain their healthiest smiles. After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California in San Francisco, he continued his education with training in laser dentistry and dental implants. Dr. Bring offers a wide range of services that include preventive dentistry, cosmetic treatments, dental implants and much more. If it’s time for your annual visit to the dentist, contact the office at (507) 288-1066 or visit the website to schedule an appointment today.
