1. Incorrect brushing techniques

   Brushing in a rigid sawing motion may expose your teeth and gums to heavy abrasion. Consider brushing in small circular motions and covering a couple of teeth at a time.

   Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to get rid of debris without being too tough on your teeth and gums. For the inside areas of the teeth, you may use up and down strokes, but be gentle to avoid enamel erosion.

2. Brushing too hard

   You may think that vigorous brushing will get rid of more debris from the surfaces of your teeth and the tight spaces between them. But this isn’t true. You can also remove deposits from your mouth with gentle brushing.

   The downside of aggressive brushing is that it can cause the enamel to erode, especially if you brush right after a meal. One sign of overzealous brushing is if your brush frays quickly.

   Generally, you must switch to a new toothbrush after around 3–4 months, but if the brush spreads out way earlier, that could indicate you’re brushing too hard and will need to replace your brush earlier.

   Continuing to brush too hard can also lead to increased tooth sensitivity as the protective layer of the teeth wears down faster.

3. Brushing too quickly

   Haphazard brushing can cause you to miss several spots in your mouth. This can cause deposits to stay longer and become food for harmful bacteria. If they build up in the mouth, so will plaque. If not removed, tartar can form on the affected areas soon.

   Plaque can harden and become tartar after 48 hours. After this time, it will be impossible to remove with a toothbrush and floss. So don’t rush when brushing your teeth. Spend at least two minutes to ensure all areas are covered.

   Establish a routine to avoid missing spots. If you’re wearing braces, spend more time cleaning the areas around your brackets and wires, as debris is likely to get stuck in them.

4. Brushing too much

   Brushing too much can be just as harmful as not brushing enough. When you brush too many times a day, you may end up wearing your enamel faster due to excessive abrasion.

   Focus on brushing at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. In the morning, your mouth will need help neutralizing acid levels and increasing moisture because sleep leaves the mouth dry.

   In the evening, it’s important to get rid of debris and plaque build-up in the mouth to starve harmful bacteria and keep them from producing acids that can attack the teeth overnight.

5. Forgetting to clean or not cleaning the tongue

   The tongue can also be prone to bacterial build-up because of its uneven surface. Deposits and plaque can build up on it and lead to unpleasant-smelling breath.

   When the tongue becomes coated with a film of bacteria, even your sense of taste may be compromised. You may use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clean your tongue. Brush from the back to the tip of the tongue to prevent bringing debris back.

   Rinse your mouth thoroughly so the debris won’t have to linger in the mouth or go back to the surfaces of the teeth.

6. Not replacing your toothbrush

   Once the toothbrush bristles start to spread or fray, it’s time to switch to a new one. Or replace your existing one after 3–4 months, whichever comes first.

   If you’re prone to plaque and tartar build-up or are struggling with manual toothbrush use, consider investing in an electronic toothbrush.

   Some can be set up according to your preferred brushing intensity or duration. You can maintain consistent brushing quality as the toothbrush does all the work. All you need to do is hold it properly against your teeth.

Do you need more assistance in boosting your dental care routine?

Your dentist can recommend products suitable for your unique preferences or requirements. They can also demonstrate proper brushing techniques to help you clean your mouth effectively.

If you’re interested in booking a dental visit in Kanata, ON, reach out to us at Centrum Dental. Let's make your dental care routine work for your oral health and overall wellness.