Brushing is your number-one defence against tooth decay and cavities. But some methods may cause more harm than good.

To make the most of your daily brushing, doing it properly is essential. Avoid these common brushing mistakes to protect your teeth, gums, and oral health:

Aggressive Brushing

Harder is never better when it comes to brushing your teeth. It's a common misconception that aggressive brushing will eliminate more debris from your teeth.

The teeth can erode when you brush too hard. The enamel, or the outermost protective layer of the teeth, can wear faster. Take a look at your toothbrush. If it gets frayed quickly and the bristles tend to spread out fast, that can be a sign of vigorous brushing.

Continuing to brush too hard may make your teeth and gums even more vulnerable to problems such as enamel erosion and heightened sensitivity.

Incorrect Brushing Techniques

Your brushing technique can influence your tooth and gum health. Brushing left to right or in a rigid sawing motion can strip the enamel.

Try to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line. This can help remove more deposits without being too harsh on your teeth and gums. Then, use gentle circular motions to brush and cover all tooth areas.

Start with the visible surfaces, then clean the inside areas, and proceed to the chewing surfaces or the back molars. For the inside areas, tilt your brush and apply gentle up-and-down strokes.

Brushing Too Quickly

Don't rush when brushing your teeth. Brushing too quickly can cause you to skip several areas and leave food debris and plaque unremoved.

Brush for at least 2 minutes to cover all mouth quadrants. This will give the fluoride in your toothpaste time to penetrate the enamel. Time yourself or play a song to check how long you've been brushing.

Brushing will take longer with dental braces as you need to pay attention to areas where debris can get stuck.

Skipping the Tongue

Another common brushing mistake is forgetting to clean the tongue. The tongue is also an attractive place for harmful bacteria to breed and multiply because it has crevices and an uneven surface.

Check if your tongue has a biofilm or a layer of debris on top of it. This can easily build up when not cleaned, leading to bad breath and a compromised sense of taste.

Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to get rid of built-up dirt. Clean from the back to the tip, and rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward to ensure that debris is removed.

Brushing Too Often or Too Little

Brushing too often or not enough can be harmful to your oral health. But remember that brushing quality is more important than brushing frequency.

Brush twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Salivary flow is reduced during sleep, making the mouth more acidic and vulnerable to dental erosion.

Brushing when you wake up can help strengthen the teeth, and brushing at night will get rid of plaque buildup and give your teeth the boost they need to resist erosion from acid attacks.

Not Replacing Your Toothbrush

A toothbrush must be replaced after 3–4 months of use or once it frays.

If you’re unhappy with your current brush, talk to your dentist about safe dental product recommendations. They may suggest trying an electric toothbrush to address mobility issues.

A worn brush won’t be able to do its job well. Take note of when you started using your brush and replace it on time.

Not Flossing

Brushing isn’t enough to remove dirt and plaque buildup on teeth and along the gumline. Flossing is its perfect partner, as it can remove deposits in tight spaces or faraway areas.

Not flossing can be a disservice to your daily brushing, as debris left in the mouth can still accumulate and wreak havoc on your smile. Floss before brushing to give your mouth optimal cleaning and protect your gums against periodontal disease or inflammation.

You can choose a type of floss you feel comfortable using, whether traditional floss thread or options with a holder.

Not Drying Your Toothbrush

A damp toothbrush is a magnet for moisture-loving harmful bacteria. Avoid storing your toothbrush in a closed container right after use.

Rinse it thoroughly, air dry it, and if you feel more comfortable keeping it inside a container or covering the head, be sure there are holes or ample ventilation to let air pass through.

When selecting a place to store your toothbrush, consider keeping it away from the toilet because flushing with the lid open can result in traces of fecal matter reaching your toothbrush.

Do You Feel Like You’re Making These Common Brushing Mistakes?

It’s not too late to correct them and make brushing more effective for your oral health. Your dental hygienist or dentist can offer more tips on improving your dental home care routine.

To schedule an oral examination or dental check-up for yourself or your family in SW Calgary, AB, contact us at Centennial Smiles Dental. Let’s optimize your brushing techniques and bring out the best version of your smile.