Braces versus Retainers: A Comprehensive Overveiw

4 Tooth-Brushing Errors That Could Damage Your Teeth

28 October 2020 by Lonnie Bryant

Cleaning your teeth is an essential part of a dental hygiene routine, but are you sure that you are using the best possible technique? Brushing teeth at the wrong time or using the wrong tools could compromise its protective effect or even damage your smile. Watch out for these common errors in your daily oral hygiene routine.

1. Brushing For Too Little Time

Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time. One good way to stick to this schedule is to purchase an electric toothbrush that features a timer. The handle vibrates after two minutes to let you know you have brushed for enough time.

2. Using Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste. It creates an environment in which teeth can naturally remineralise, building up their protective layer of enamel after it has been broken down by acids in food and the action of oral bacteria. Some people worry about the toxic effects of fluoride on the body, but these are only a concern if you swallow very large amounts of it. To give your teeth as much protection as possible, look for a toothpaste that features the logo of the Australian Dental Association on the packaging. This symbol indicates that the toothpaste contains an adequate amount of fluoride to protect your teeth.

3. Brushing After You Eat

Many people assume that right after a meal or snack is the best time to clean their teeth. While brushing after you eat is certainly effective at providing a minty fresh feeling, it could in fact be doing your teeth more harm than good. Natural acids in food soften tooth enamel, making it more vulnerable to wear and tear. When you brush, the scraping of the bristles could wear away the softened enamel, leaving your teeth at risk of decay. Either brush before breakfast or wait for a while afterwards for your saliva to neutralise the acids.

4. Rinsing After You Brush

You get the most benefits from toothpaste when you leave it in contact with your teeth for as long as possible. If you rinse your mouth with water after brushing, you wash away the beneficial fluoride, limiting its ability to remineralise your teeth. Instead, simply spit out the toothpaste and get on with your day, knowing that the fluoride in the paste is still hard at work protecting your teeth.

For more insight on maintaining your smile, contact a local dentist. 

Share