When we brush our teeth, most of us aren’t kind to our teeth. You might not realize that not brushing your teeth gently and carefully could damage both your gums and teeth. At our family dentistry in Orem, Utah, we want to give you all the information possible to practice excellent oral hygiene. People question the oral issues they encounter but cannot notice that many times, it breaks down to how you brush your teeth.

Using a toothbrush that doesn’t suit your teeth

You might walk into a store and buy any ol’ toothbrush you find. However, be mindful of the toothbrush you choose. While there are many types of toothbrushes, from manual ones to power ones, pick a toothbrush with soft bristles. Stiff bristles can be harsh on your teeth and gums by removing the protective enamel which coats your teeth. The long-term usage of stiff bristles can lead to sensitive teeth and gums.

Not changing your toothbrush often enough

The American Dental Association recommends you change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. In other words, swap out your old toothbrush for a sparkly new one every season. Using the same toothbrush for a long time will cause the bristles to fray and break. This won’t keep your teeth clean. You can find a toothbrush with the ADA’s seal of acceptance the next time you visit the store.

Brushing your teeth too hard

We understand that you want minty clean teeth, but brushing too hard can cause severe damage to your teeth and gums. Be gentle when you brush your teeth and be sure to brush all your teeth from the front to the back. When you brush too hard, you wear down the shell, and this can also cause your gums to bleed.

Drinking or eating and brushing your teeth right after

You might enjoy a meal or drink and feel the need to brush your teeth straight afterward. However, as pleasing as that sounds, wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth. This is especially if you’ve eaten something acidic such as lemon, soda, or grapefruit. While you wait to brush your teeth, you can drink water or chew sugarless gum.

Not storing your toothbrush properly

Once you’re done brushing, you must store your toothbrush in a dry area and keep it upright to let it air dry. Refrain from keeping your toothbrush in a damp or closed container as this can lead to the spreading of germs and other bacteria.

Not brushing for long enough

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to brush your teeth for about 2-3 minutes before rinsing. Most people only brush for a minute or less, which leads to your teeth not being properly cleaned. To determine if you’re brushing for long enough, use a timer to check when your 3 minutes are done, and then rinse.