You know that brushing your teeth is important. But did you know that you might be making mistakes that can cause more harm than good? Brushing mistakes can actually cause problems like gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and weakened tooth enamel.
Here are some tips to remember when brushing your teeth:
Brushing Right After Eating/Drinking
- Contrary to the old saying of ‘brushing after every meal’, dental professionals now recommend that you wait 30 minutes to brush after you eat or drink. This is because when you eat, your own saliva pH drops from the normal neutral level of 7 to an acid level of 4.5 in merely the first 5 minutes of your meal. It takes 30 minutes after eating for your own saliva to go back to normal. Why is this important? It is because if you brush within the first 30 minutes, you are essentially brushing acidic saliva all over your teeth, which could cause enamel erosion.
Not Brushing Your Tongue
- Your tongue has a rough surface that can house the same harmful bacteria that settles in and around your teeth and gums. If that bacteria sits on your tongue, it is the leading cause of bad breath. To eliminate that odor-causing bacteria, simply brush your tongue each time you brush your teeth.
Brushing in the Morning Only
- While brushing in the morning is important, to brush at night is even more important because the harmful bacteria in your mouth is more active while you sleep!
Keeping Your Toothbrush Too Long
- The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you change to a new toothbrush every 3-4 months. After about 3 months, the bristles of your teeth start to wear and do not clean as well and can irritate your gums. In addition, if you are sick, make sure you change your toothbrush.
Not Including Floss
- Your teeth have five surfaces, three surfaces that you can brush, and two in-between surfaces that your toothbrush can never reach. If you do not include floss into your cleaning routine, you risk leaving harmful bacteria behind that can cause cavities and gum disease.
If you ever have questions about brushing, our dentists and hygienists here at Noll Family Dentistry are always happy to answer questions and offer recommendations for you to get the best out of your brushing! Call our office at 717-243-9020.