Considering that you’ve been brushing your teeth since you were a kid, you probably assume it’s a skill you’ve perfected. After all, teeth brushing is so routine that you likely do it without giving it much thought. Unfortunately, one top dentist, Dr. Samantha Rawdin, DMD , says that she’s noticed that many adults make a major mistake when brushing their teeth—something they think is beneficial but actually isn’t!
Here, she reveals the biggest toothbrushing mistake people make and gives other tips for caring for your teeth.
Related: The #1 Habit DentistsWant You to Skip for a Lifetime of Healthy Teeth and Gums (It's Not Avoiding Sugar)
The Toothbrushing Mistake a Dentist Wishes Everyone Would Stop Making
According to Dr. Rawdin, the number one mistake people make when brushing their teeth is brushing too hard, especially along the gum line. “If you brush too hard, it can actually wear away the enamel, which is the white outer shell on the tooth, and lead to sensitivity, gum recession and a more yellow appearance of the tooth,” she explains.
Scientific research shows that manual toothbrushes tend to be stronger than sonic toothbrushes, so if you use an old-school toothbrush, you especially need to be aware of how hard you are brushing. Additionally, Dr. Rawdin recommends using a toothbrush with soft bristles and not one with hard bristles. “Using a medium or hard toothbrush can exacerbate [wearing away tooth enamel] since the bristles are less gentle on the tooth,” she says.
Related: This Super-Common Health Issue Is Associated with Heart Disease, Cardiologists Say
Enamel erosion is something you absolutely want to avoid because if it happens, it can make your teeth more prone to stains, sensitivity and cavities. Signs that you are experiencing enamel erosion include teeth sensitivity, tooth discoloration and chipped teeth. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to see your dentist for treatment to stop the enamel erosion from getting worse.
Other Toothbrushing Tips To Keep In Mind
Another common mistake Dr. Rawdin says people often make when it comes to toothbrushing is brushing right after they eat or drink. Instead of brushing your teeth immediately after eating, she says it’s important to wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking anything to brush your teeth—especially if you’re consuming anything acidic.
“I can’t tell you how many patients I’ve had come in with wear of the teeth and after doing some digging, we find out that they have a glass of water with lemon first thing in the morning and then brush their teeth right after. This is a sure way to wear the teeth since you’re taking toothpaste, which is inherently abrasive, and using it to scrub acid left in the mouth into the teeth,” she says. Instead, Dr. Rawdin says that it’s best to rinse with water after consuming foods and drinks and waiting a half hour before brushing.
Related: 'I Almost Died of Oral Cancer at Age 33—This Is the First Sign I Wish I'd Paid Attention To'
When you do brush your teeth, Dr. Rawdin says to hold your brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums so the edge of the bristles can just tuck under the gums, which is where plaque hides. If you are using a manual toothbrush, she says that the best motion to make is tiny circles with the brush; not moving the brush back and forth, as many people tend to do. If you have an electric toothbrush, it’s already doing this for you, so you just need to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and walk it along the gum line and on the biting surface.
Last, Dr. Rawdin says flossing truly is important—and not just right before you see your dentist! “Brushing removes plaque on the inside, outside and biting surfaces of the teeth but your toothbrush cannot reach in between them. Floss is required to mechanically remove plaque and debris from the sides of the teeth. The more consistent you are with it, the easier it is,” she says. If you experience bleeding when you floss, she says that this is a sign of inflammation and you should see your dentist for an exam.
With these tips in mind, you can rest assured that you are truly caring for your teeth and gums the best you can. This is, after all, something you do daily, so it’s important to do it correctly!
Up Next:
Related: Teeth Whitening 101: The Best Ways To A Bright Smile
Sources
Local News
Comments / 0