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Build Stronger Teeth

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Build Stronger Teeth

Everyone knows the basics of good dental care. Brush your teeth after every meal, floss every day, see your dentist at least twice a year. It sounds simple. But what if you still don’t have strong, healthy teeth? Weak enamel can be a genetic weakness, or it can be caused by other conditions, like Celiac disease. I’ve always had weak enamel, so I started looking into ways that I could increase the strength of my teeth, and found that dietary changes could make a big difference. I started this blog to share my experience, and to talk about other ways you can make your teeth stronger and healthier. There are lots of things that you can do to improve your dental health. You just have to find them.

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6 Common Toothbrushing Mistakes To Avoid

16 September 2015
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

You already know that brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the best ways to achieve optimal oral health. However, you could be making mistakes during your brushing routine that could potentially harm your teeth. Here are six common toothbrushing mistakes to avoid:

Brushing Too Aggressively

Brushing your teeth with a lot of force will not remove the plaque and tartar any faster. In fact, aggressive brushing can wear down the enamel of your teeth over time, making them more susceptible to chips and cracks. Brushing too aggressively can also lead to gum recession. To avoid these dental health issues, remember to brush your teeth in gentle, circular motions.

Forgetting About the Two-Minute Rule

You can't expect to maintain a healthy set of teeth if you always just brush for 30 seconds and rinse. To remove all the food particles and plaque, you must brush your teeth for at least two minutes. Some electric toothbrushes have timers and will shut off once you have brushed your teeth for a full two minutes.

Keeping Your Toothbrush Too Long

Toothbrushes are not meant to last forever, so you have to get a new one after a while. When you use the same toothbrush for too long, bacteria can accumulate on the bristles. It is a good idea to get a new toothbrush every two to three months.

Not Brushing Inner Tooth Surfaces

The front of your teeth might be all that other people see, but you should not ignore the inner surfaces of your teeth. The surfaces that you touch with your tongue also accumulate a lot of plaque and bacteria. Neglecting these services can increase your risk of cavities.

Choosing the Wrong Bristle

If you use a toothbrush with very stiff bristles, it could lead to gum irritation. It is a better idea to use a soft bristle toothbrush because it will remove plaque without irritating your gum tissue.

Not Rinsing Toothbrush Thoroughly

Remember to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after you get done brushing your teeth. If you don't, the bacteria you removed from your mouth will just sit on the toothbrush. Run your toothbrush under warm water for at least 30 seconds.

Do not feel too bad if you have made one or more of these toothbrushing mistakes in the past. If you stick to these toothbrushing guidelines, you will keep your teeth and gums in good shape. Visit a local dentist, such as Peak Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, to schedule a cleaning and get more tips for your teeth.