Brushing Better: 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth

According to a study published in 2015, 45% of adults do not brush their teeth at night. What’s more, the study notes that 28% of adults use water alone to brush while 14% only use their fingers to brush.

A different research study performed in 2018 found that more than 30% of millennials brush their teeth once per day. The study determined that most people go for more than 2 days at a time without using their toothbrush or floss.

The repercussions of poor brushing are very clear. The World Health Organization reports that oral diseases affect an estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide.

To avoid being part of the 3.5 billion people who are currently dealing with dental health problems, you have to brush better. In this detailed guide, Linea Clear will show you the mistakes you need to avoid when brushing your teeth.

10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Brushing Your Teeth

1. Brushing Too Hard

There is a misconception that the amount of power you apply to your brushing stroke is what helps clean your teeth. This often makes people use extreme power when brushing.

The reality, however, is that it’s the motion of the toothbrush that cleans your teeth. Using extreme power when brushing wears out the gums and enamel. What’s more, it can lead to increased tooth sensitivity.

Look at your toothbrush. If the bristles are splayed out, there is a very high likelihood that you are using extreme power when brushing.

2. Using the Wrong Toothbrush

While most people assume that a toothbrush with hard bristles provides the best results, this is not the case. Much like brushing too hard, hard bristles can lead to enamel loss and gum injuries.

Toothbrushes generally carry rounded and straightened bristles. The straightened bristles do not just increase the risk of gum injury, they also cause enamel loss.

When buying a new toothbrush, look for one with soft, rounded bristles. A research study published in 2016 determined that a toothbrush with soft and tapered-tip bristles reduces plaque significantly after a session of brushing.

3. Using One Toothbrush for Too Long

The American Dental Association recommends changing toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months. A research study published in 2003 confirmed that worn-out toothbrushes – that is, toothbrushes that have been used for more than 3 months – are less efficient in removing plaque.

Despite the data proving that older toothbrushes are less effective, very few people change their toothbrushes every 3 months. Using a toothbrush for more than 3 months does not just make it less effective – it also makes it unhygienic.

4. Using the Wrong Toothpaste

It is not uncommon for people to use toothpaste featuring abrasive chemicals in an attempt to whiten their teeth. One of the major side effects of these kinds of toothpaste is that they strip your teeth of the enamel, increasing your risk of suffering from tooth cavities.

What’s more, it is not uncommon for people to prefer fluoride-free toothpaste. The fluoride in toothpaste plays numerous roles, including reducing the risk of dental caries.

The next time you are out shopping for a new toothpaste, ensure it offers maximum health benefits and does not harm your teeth or gums.

5. Ignoring Tongue Brushing

The tongue happens to be a receptacle for germs and is a known cause of bad breath. For this reason, you must ensure your tongue is properly cleaned when brushing your teeth. A research study published in 2013 determined that tongue brushing and tongue scraping reduces plaque levels significantly.

6. Not Brushing For 2 Minutes

A research study performed by the Journal of Dental Hygiene determined that the average brushing time for the general population is about 45 seconds.

The ADA recommends brushing for a minimum of 2 minutes, spending 30 seconds in each quadrant of the mouth. Brushing for less than 2 minutes means that you are not cleaning your mouth effectively.

7. Using the Same Brushing Pattern

When brushing their teeth, most people start with the upper-right section and finish at the lower-left section. If you use this pattern every time, there is a chance that you are missing the same areas every day.

To prevent this, consider changing up your brushing pattern. While changing the pattern may take intentional thought, it will ensure your teeth are enjoying proper cleaning.

8. Brushing Immediately After a Meal

While brushing right after dinner may seem like a good idea, it is not. Brushing immediately after eating – especially after eating acidic foods – can rub the acid deeper into your teeth, increasing your risk of enamel damage.

The ADA recommends waiting for 30 minutes to an hour before brushing. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water after a meal is recommended before brushing.

9. Improper Toothbrush Storage

When you finish brushing, you should rinse your toothbrush under tap water until it's completely clean. Next, let the toothbrush air dry in the open.

Avoid storing the toothbrush in a closed container. Germs have more opportunities to grow in closed spaces.

10. Improper Brushing Technique

When brushing their teeth, most people put a lot of focus on brushing the top part of their teeth while ignoring other areas. This is not the best way to improve your oral health.

When brushing, place the brush at an angle of 45 degrees to the gums. Next, move the brush gently in tooth-wide strokes – be sure to move it back and forth. Then, brush the inner surfaces, outer surfaces, and the teeth’ chewing surfaces.

Finally, clean the front teeth. Tilt your toothbrush vertically and then make a couple of up-and-down strokes.

Make Your Brushing Easier: Use Invisible Teeth Aligners to Straighten Your Teeth

According to an article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, teeth misalignment can make brushing harder. What’s more, the article notes that misalignment can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Luckily for people with crooked teeth, Linea Clear can help with teeth straightening. To guarantee maximum results for each client, the orthodontists at Linea Clear treat each patient differently.

When you book your FREE e-consultation, a specialized orthodontist will be assigned to you. The orthodontist will:

• Study your case carefully.

• Answer all the questions you may have about teeth straightening.

• Help you understand how transparent teeth aligners work.

• Help you choose between veneers, dental braces, and invisible teeth aligners.

By the end of the orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will ensure maximum benefits for you. In addition to making brushing easier for you, the orthodontist will help you regain confidence in your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is brushing frequently good or bad?

Brushing too much can be just as bad as not brushing your teeth enough. Excessive brushing can damage your enamel, increasing your risk of suffering from oral problems like cavities. The ADA recommends brushing twice per day – going beyond this recommended frequency may harm your oral health.

Can I store my toothbrush wet?

Storing toothbrushes while wet is not recommended. A wet toothbrush is a breeding ground for bacteria. For this reason, always allow your toothbrush to air-dry before storing it.

Should I rinse my mouth after brushing?

Most people will rinse their mouth immediately after brushing. Doing this washes out the fluoride that is supposed to coat your teeth and offer protection.

After brushing your teeth, spit out excess toothpaste. However, do not rinse your mouth. Allow the fluoride to protect your teeth.