If you’re like most people, you probably think of brushing your teeth as a relatively straightforward action. However, there are actually several mistakes you could be making when brushing that are preventing you from reaching optimal oral health. Are you guilty of any of these common teeth brushing mistakes?
You Don’t Replace Your Brush Enough
Your toothbrush is not a lifelong investment. It should be replaced every three to four months or after you have been sick. Using it for too long can make it ineffective or put you at risk for germ transfer.
You Use the Wrong Bristles
You don’t need a hard-bristle toothbrush to clean your teeth — in fact, they usually don’t do a good job anyway. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove food particles and plaque harming your enamel or gums.
You Brush for Too Short a Time
When it comes to the length of time you brush your teeth, follow the “two” rule: the times a day for two minutes. Brushing for less than 2 minutes won’t give you enough time to remove plaque and bacteria off of your teeth.
You’re Not Cleaning Your Tongue
Your tongue is one of the most popular places for bacteria to call home in your mouth. If you’re not scrubbing your tongue and allow bacteria to remain, you could end up with bad breath, amongst other problems. Invest in a tongue scraper to help get all that bacteria out of your mouth.