Good oral hygiene and a sparkling smile all start with brushing your teeth, but did you know that you may not be brushing your teeth properly?

By taking time to learn the proper techniques, you can avoid painful cavities and gingivitis. Even better, you’ll feel more confident in your smile. 

With this in mind, read on to learn about the most common tooth brushing mistakes that you might be making today. 

Rinsing Out Your Toothpaste

When you’re done brushing your teeth, most people fill their mouths with water, swish, and spit out all the toothpaste. However, you’re actually making your toothpaste less effective.

Instead, when you’re done brushing your teeth, simply spit out the excess toothpaste and keep the rest on your teeth. This will allow the fluoride to work more effectively in keeping cavities away. 

Keeping the Same Toothbrush

Do you know the last time you got a new toothbrush? If you can’t remember, you’ve most likely kept it far beyond its lifetime. The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. 

The reason for this is that you don’t want to brush your teeth with a toothbrush that has bacteria buildup in the bristles. If the bristles are bent and warped, you also aren’t brushing your teeth as effectively. 

You’re Not Brushing Long Enough

Most dentists recommend that you brush your teeth for two minutes in the morning and evening. Why two minutes? This is just long enough to brush each quadrant of your mouth thoroughly, getting rid of as much plaque as possible. 

Any shorter means that you may be missing areas, or you won’t be brushing long enough to make a difference. Your time is valuable, so make sure that you’re brushing your teeth long enough to make an impact on the plaque and tartar buildup in your mouth. 

Take Time to Brush Your Teeth Properly

By taking the time to brush your teeth properly twice a day, not only will your oral hygiene improve, but so will your bank account. The reason for this is that you’ll be able to avoid costly procedures, such as cavity fillings and root canals. 

You’ll also be able to recognize issues with your teeth before they become major issues. For instance, cavities often start out as dark spots on the surface of your teeth. 

Ready to improve your oral hygiene? It all starts with routine cleanings. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.