Warning Signs You're Not Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way

Brushing your teeth is essential to a good oral hygiene routine, but are you brushing your teeth the right way?

It’s such a basic part of most people’s routines that the finer details are often forgotten or overlooked, but they do make a difference in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

Dr. Hannah Baek and our team at Healthy Smile Dental in Woodridge, Illinois, are here to give you the knowledge you need to brush like a pro.

Brushing too little

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth for no less than two minutes twice per day. Many electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer that buzzes at the two-minute mark. Alternatively, you can set a timer on your smartphone or alarm clock.

Brushing too often

Similarly, brushing too often can lead to less healthy teeth and gums. When you over-brush your teeth, you risk damaging your gum tissue and eroding tooth enamel. If you’re unsure whether you’re brushing too little or too often, we can help you set up a routine tailored to your needs.

Brushing with a heavy hand

Brushing your teeth aggressively or with a scrubbing motion can do more harm than good to your teeth and gums. Let the bristles of the toothbrush do the work, and gently work in circles over all tooth surfaces, with the head of the brush angled at 45 degrees.

This technique helps to remove bacteria and dislodge any stuck food particles from between your teeth without causing damage to teeth and sensitive gum tissue.

Using the wrong kind of toothbrush

All the choices you have when it comes to choosing a toothbrush can be overwhelming. Manual vs. electric, different bristle types, and brush head shapes are all factors you need to consider. Ask your dentist for the best advice on what kind of toothbrush suits your dental hygiene needs. 

Using a worn-out brush

Toothbrushes used twice daily start to wear out at about three months. The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months or more often if the bristles appear worn or broken.

You should also replace your brush after a contagious illness such as strep throat or a cold to prevent re-infecting yourself. Toothbrush bristles in rough shape won’t effectively clean your teeth, and they can harbor bacteria and cause gum irritation. 

Forgetting your tongue

Cleaning your tongue is a crucial step in brushing your teeth the right way. It might surprise you just how much bacteria can linger on the surface of your tongue, increasing the risk of cavities and causing bad breath. 

Specialized tools for this, such as a tongue scraper, can amp up your daily oral hygiene routine.

The team at Healthy Smile Dental is here to answer any questions you may have about your daily brushing routine. Book online today or call our office at 630-910-1900.