Common mistakes while brushing teeth: Here’s how to take care of your teeth as well as of your tooth brush.
A majority of people go to the dentist only when there’s a cavity or when they’re experiencing pain; many are not in the habit of visiting their dentists regularly for regular dental checkups.
And that is why its so important that you learn the right way to brush your teeth, and also take good care of your tooth brush (including knowing how frequently to change them).
Some dental experts say it’s even dirtier than the rectal area. Research backs this theory. One study performed by the University of Manchester in England discovered that over 100 million bacteria including E. coli and staphylococci bacteria live in your toothbrush. Now take into account another study done by the University of Alabama at Birmingham that suggests it also houses fecal germs.
Here are useful tips & suggestions to take better care of your teeth, prevent halitosis, and to keep your oral cleanser in sanitary condition.
- For how long should one brush his/her teeth?
“It is recommended that people spend two minutes brushing their teeth. However, the average person spends less than half of that [amount of time]! On average, people spend 46 seconds brushing their teeth. Not brushing for a sufficient amount of time can cause plaque to remain in areas you would have gotten to if the proper amount of time were spent.” - Avoid keeping the Brush in Unsanitary & Wet Places
“It’s common for people to place their toothbrushes on the sink counter near the toilet. This is unsanitary as water can spray from the toilet when flushed. That being said, never place a toothbrush directly on the back of the toilet or above it on a shelf. The best place to dry your brush is in a dry area placed in a cup or stand that puts the brush in an upright position. The bathroom can be damp, so always leave the door open after showering to ensure the room dries overall. It is also never a good idea to leave your brush in the shower. With multiple people showering and the door or curtain remaining closed, it creates a damp environment where bacteria will grow.” - Do NOT Neglect the Tongue
“It is important to brush your tongue each time you brush your teeth, as 80 per cent of germs that cause bad breath reside predominantly on the surface of the tongue. When you brush, do not just use the brush alone — it is important to also use it with toothpaste. The use of an anti-bacterial toothpaste will ensure that bacteria growth on the tongue is suppressed.” - Avoid ignoring Hard To Reach areas
“Inner surfaces are harder to reach, which often means plaque can get left behind. Plaque that hardens is called tartar. Tartar tends to build up on the inside of the lower front teeth. Using a power brush with a small round head allows you to reach angles and areas under teeth that you may normally miss.”Watch: How to brush your teeth the right way
- Avoid choosing the Wrong Toothbrush
“What is the wrong toothbrush? One with hard bristles can damage your gums. Maybe people feel the harder bristles will remove plaque better, but this is a myth. If you are using a manual brush, use one with soft bristles to remove plaque without causing damage to the gums. It is ideal to use a power brush with a small round head.Brushes with a small round head are proven to be more effective at removing plaque and preventing gingivitis by reaching areas that normal brush heads don’t reach.”
- Avoid adopting the Scrubbing (back and forth) Method
“Many people use the scrubbing method, which is moving the brush back and forth — this is wrong. The proper way to brush is up and down, in small circles, or at a 45-degree angle. Using a power brush is the best way to ensure you are using the proper technique.The power brush will do the brushing motions for you, tooth by tooth, very much like how you get your teeth polished at the dentist or hygienist. All you have to do is move it from tooth to tooth. Look over this video to see how to brush more effectively.”
- Change your Toothbrush more frequently
“People tend to keep their brushes much longer than they should. Brushes should be replaced every three months, not because of germs, but because of damage to the brush. The end of each bristle on your toothbrush is rounded and this texture allows the bristles to not harm your gums. After a few months of usage, the ends of bristles can wear down and become blunt, which can lacerate your gums. Replacing your brush or electric toothbrush head every three months will ensure your gums are not being harmed when brushing.” - Take Good care of Your Gums
“Massaging the gums while brushing is good so long as you use soft bristles and don’t apply too much force. Massaging your gums with a toothbrush is very healthy and removes plaque along gum lines. By brushing effectively and using anti-bacterial toothpaste, you can help prevent your gums from bleeding as well. Flossing is also very good for your gum lines. It removes food and plaque that toothbrushes cannot reach, below the gum line and in between teeth. Flossing helps get rid plaque and bacteria that is trapped and can also contribute to bad breath.” - Toothbrush Travel Etiquette
“What’s the proper technique to sustaining its usability when hitting the road? Place it in a toothbrush case. It is best for the brush to be dry before going in the case, but this is not always the ideal situation and that is OK. Whenever you are able to let your brush air-dry on its own, do so. Use a cup to store your brush to let it dry overnight and during the day when you can. Also remember to place it away from the toilet bowl and not lying flat on a counter.” - Avoid Brushing too Hard
“Applying too much pressure can wear away parts of your teeth. Some electric toothbrushes have a built-in pressure sensor that alerts you of when you are brushing too hard. Brushing multiple times a day is not a problem. Just remember to not apply too much force. Some toothpastes have antibacterial properties that last up to 16 hours, so brushing more than twice a day really is not necessary. However, if you’re brushing multiple times a day to help with bad breath (i.e. after lunch), that can always be a good thing for the people around you.”
Source: bangaloremirror.com
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