How to Avoid Bad Habits When Brushing

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It’s a good idea to occasionally read over brushing techniques. The reason why is because we often develop habitual routines when it comes to our brushing. This isn’t a bad thing. Regularly brushing is great for protecting your teeth from decay. However, habits are by nature done with little thought and sometimes the way you habitually brush can actually harm your teeth over time. Refreshing yourself on brushing techniques is a good idea.

A lot of people brush their teeth in wide side-to-side strokes. This is harmful to your gums and can lead to missing hard-to-reach areas. The best way to brush is to make small gentle circles with the brush while holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. It’s also a good idea to start off brushing in a different area every so often to break up the routine.

You should also keep track of how much time you spend brushing. The average person spends less than a minute brushing. Compare this with the recommended time of two minutes. Strive for greatness when brushing, and meet the time goal your dentist has set for you to ensure you have a clean mouth.

You should also avoid using whitening toothpaste. These types of toothpaste can often be harmful to your teeth. A normal fluoride toothpaste is recommended instead. If you’d like a whitening product, please talk to Dr. Albert Mendez about whitening treatment options.

If you have any questions on brushing techniques, please call 620-231-6070 to talk to us at Mendez Family Dental in Pittsburg, Kansas, today!