Oral hygiene is an essential part of daily routine. Statistics show that an average person who brushes their teeth for two minutes each morning and evening spends a total of 82 days of their life on this activity.
However, as dentists, we often notice mistakes our patients make when caring for their oral health. If you are among those who make the following mistakes, allow us to guide you toward proper methods and techniques for maintaining oral hygiene.
Brushing your teeth with vigorous horizontal motions?
A common occurrence we encounter during the patient’s first check-up are the effects of aggressive horizontal tooth brushing. Patients often believe that scrubbing their teeth with strong pressure in a horizontal motion will remove the plaque better, but this belief is incorrect. This brushing method not only fails to remove plaque effectively, but it can also lead to gum injuries as well as enamel damage.
The brushing technique we recommend involves holding the toothbrush at approximately a 45-degree angle to the crown of the tooth. Half of the toothbrush should rest on the gums, and the other half on the tooth crown. Gentle, circular motions will help remove plaque at the gum line, preventing cavities and gum inflammation. Additionally, brushing quickly won’t remove plaque effectively, so we recommend brushing for two minutes.
It’s also important to note that your toothbrush should be replaced every three months, and it is also advisable to change your toothpaste from time to time to enable beneficial effects from different ingredients.
Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing?
Toothpastes typically contain fluoride, a mineral vital for preventing cavities. Fluoride halts bacteria from attacking the enamel and integrates into its pores to strengthen it. Most patients rinse their mouths with water after brushing, but this practice can reduce fluoride’s beneficial effects. Instead of rinsing, simply spit out the toothpaste!
Brushing your teeth immediately after meals?
A high concentration of acids in the mouth can weaken enamel and potentially cause cavities. This condition occurs immediately after consuming food or sugary and carbonated drinks. For this reason, brushing your teeth right after eating is not recommended, as acids and the mechanical action of the toothbrush may damage the tooth structures. We suggest waiting about 30 minutes after meals to brush your teeth.
Not using dental floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser?
Cleaning between the teeth is the most critical aspect of maintaining good oral hygiene since these spaces often retain food particles, creating a breeding ground for cavities. Given that these areas are difficult to access, we cannot rely solely on the use of a toothbrush for their cleaning. In cases of crowded teeth, we recommend that patients include the use of a dental floss in their oral hygiene routine. For teeth with more space between them, interdental brushes are a preferable option, and they can be found in various sizes as well.
A highly effective tool which can additionally help maintain oral hygiene is a water flosser. Compared to other, more popular devices, this electric device is a relatively new tool used for oral hygiene maintenance. Its advantage lies in its ability to thoroughly clean all hard-to-reach areas by ejecting water under pressure, potentially fully replacing dental floss and interdental brushes.
What about the tongue?
Plaque that accumulates on the surface of the tongue is the leading cause of bad breath. This problem is especially noticeable in individuals with deeply grooved tongues, those who breathe through their mouths, or those who excessively consume cigarettes, alcohol, or food rich in carbohydrates. To complete your oral hygiene routine and enjoy fresher breath, we recommend using a tongue scraper, available at drugstores and pharmacies, or brushing your tongue with your toothbrush.
Overusing mouthwashes?
Using mouthwashes can be a helpful addition to oral hygiene. However, considering that most mouthwashes contain alcohol, it is recommended to limit their use or dilute them with water in order to prevent drying out of the oral tissues. Additionally, mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine, which is usually used to treat gum disease, can cause burning sensations in the mouth, as well as tooth discoloration, therefore their use should be restricted to about ten days.
If you have recognized any of these mistakes in your brushing routine, we can correct them during the examination. Our adult patients often laugh when, during their first visit to our office, we discuss proper tooth brushing while looking in the mirror. It is our first joint step towards a healthy and beautiful smile, without which all other interventions we engage in will not have the best possible prognosis. Book your first appointment at Nova Dental Clinic, and learn everything about proper tooth brushing!
