Brushing your teeth isn’t rocket science. But, it is a bit more involved than we think. Next time you are at your dentist’s office in Tampa, ask them how to properly brush. They may teach you something new that you never knew. Or better yet, surprise your dentist in Tampa by showing off your new knowledge on brushing. Below is a guide on the most common mistakes made and how you can fix them.
The Mistakes Noted by Dentist in Tampa
- The Wrong Toothbrush
There are so many toothbrushes to choose from. So, which one do you pick? If you are feeling lost, ask your dentist in Tampa which brush works best for you. A helpful tip is that it should reach everywhere. Also, your bristles should be soft enough to reach under your gums. You want to gently brush with soft bristles to reach all the debris around your teeth and gums. - Weed Whacking
You might have caught the term “gently brush” just now. That’s because using a toothbrush like a weed whacker isn’t useful. Just remember, you scrub your toilet, but you brush your teeth. Be easy with your teeth and gently brush away the plaque. - Rushing
Don’t skip out on brushing your teeth. You should be brushing at least twice a day. Plus, if you are running late and feel like skipping or cutting your brushing time short, don’t do it. First off you aren’t saving yourself anytime. Secondly, make sure you brush for AT LEAST two minutes. Try listening to a song or use a timer for the duration of your brushing. - Change Your Toothbrush
Please, don’t put an old ratty toothbrush in your mouth. Once the bristles become frayed or becomes discolored, it means it’s time to ditch the old toothbrush. You should be swapping out your old toothbrushes out every three months. Also, if you were just recently sick, toss that toothbrush out. Your germs will still be on that toothbrush and will just get you sick again. - Brush Your Gums
When you hear brush your teeth, you might forget about your gums. That spot where your teeth and gums meet is actually pretty important. These areas are actually target spots for bacteria and plaque. So, make sure you clean those areas, because that is still part of your tooth. Also, try brushing at an angle to get the bristles in those areas. Additionally, give your tongue some love by brushing the top and sides. - Have One Thorough Session
So, we learned that everyone should brush at least twice a day for two minutes. But, one of those sessions should be very thorough. That means brush, floss, use mouthwash, the whole nine yards. Doing this at least once a day will be great for your teeth.
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