5 Common Tooth-Brushing Mistakes

Dentist Blog

Cleaning your teeth might seem like a simple task, but there many errors that people make which can make brushing less effective. Do you make any of these five mistakes when you brush?

1. Brushing Too Briefly

Dentists recommend brushing teeth for two minutes to remove all the plaque that has built up on them throughout the day or night. However, many people brush for far less time. One solution is to purchase an electric toothbrush that has a timer, but you could also time yourself using a watch or phone.

2. Using an Ineffective Toothpaste

Dentists agree that the most effective toothpastes contain fluoride, a natural mineral with amazing tooth-strengthening properties. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste remineralises tooth enamel, repairing damaged teeth to make them stronger and more resistant to cavities. Due to unfounded worries about the safety of fluoride, some people use alternative or natural brands of toothpaste that are fluoride free. To ensure you use a toothpaste that protects your teeth, look for the logo of the Australian Dental Association on the packaging. All toothpastes that carry this logo contain fluoride.

3. Brushing After Meals

Many people wrongly assume that right after a meal is the best time to brush. In fact, dentists recommend either brushing before you eat or waiting a little time afterwards, particularly if your meal contained acidic foods, like citrus or tomato sauce. The reason for this advice is because acid softens tooth enamel, making it more likely that you will cause physical damage by brushing too hard. If you wait a little while, your saliva naturally neutralises the acids to make it safe to brush.

4. Rinsing

After you brush your teeth, a thin layer of fluoride remains on the surfaces of your teeth, where it continues its amazing strengthening work. If you rinse your mouth immediately after you brush, you lose some of the benefits of brushing. If you enjoy the fresh feeling of rinsing, try using mouthwash immediately before brushing or at other times during the day. After your brush, simply spit out the froth and then get on with your day.

5. Applying Too Much Force

Brushing your teeth too hard can leave your gums feeling irritated and inflamed. To help you back off with the pressure, invest in an electric toothbrush that has a pressure sensor. This feature lights up to tell you if you need to be a little more gentle. Find a dentist near you you today for help. 

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26 October 2020

Fillings: Everything You Need to Know

Hi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Kerry, and this blog is focused on dental fillings. It looks at the history of fillings, options for contemporary fillings, how to protect your fillings, when to replace them and much more. If you have ever had a cavity filled or if you are planning to get a tooth filled, you will find the information in this blog useful. I try to look at fillings from all angles, and I even plan to look at how to avoid fillings through proper dental hygiene and sealants. Thanks for reading, and I hope you find the info intellectually "filling."