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Although the toothbrush is something we use every day of our lives. Many people do not know how to use it correctly. Applying the wrong techniques that can be very dangerous.
We brush our teeth automatically, almost as a reflex action. It is one of those acts that have become habitual within the personal hygiene routine. However, you have to use the toothbrush correctly to enjoy the oral benefits. This article reveals some gross toothbrushing mistakes you are probably making when using your toothbrush.
- Use of the wrong toothbrush
Necessary attention is not usually paid to the toothbrush we use when brushing our teeth. Most people just get to a store and buy a fancy-looking one. Buying a toothbrush can be a tough task. When you go to stores, you can be overwhelmed by the wide variety of existing models. In general, there are three types of toothbrushes according to their filaments. We have a toothbrush with;
Hard bristles: if your gums are in good health and you do not suffer from any alteration or sensitivity, you can use this type of brush.
Medium bristles: equally suitable for people with healthy gums but who do not tolerate intensely hard brushes. This is undoubtedly the ideal for removing bacterial plaque from the teeth and not causing damage to the gums.
Soft bristles: it is the type of brush that produces less friction on the teeth. In this case, they are used in people with greater sensitivity and undergone surgery.
Enamel and gums can suffer if the brush has bristles too hard. In the opposite case, bristles that are too soft may not be suitable to achieve the best possible cleaning in your case. If you have sensitive gums, you must use a soft bristle toothbrush. Hard bristled toothbrushes will be recommended for those having dental plaque
Choosing brushes with soft bristles or medium consistency is usually recommended. But the best option is always to ask your dentist.
- Applying an excessive amount of paste on your toothbrush
In the collective imagination, there is the belief that it is necessary to apply toothpaste all over the brush. This thought is caused mostly by the advertising claims of the brands.
You need to know that when using a greater amount of paste, there is an increase in the foam that forms when brushing. This often produces a false sense of hygiene. That is why you should not associate using a lot of toothpaste on your toothbrush. Applying an amount of paste similar to the size of a pea on the brush is enough.
- Not brushing with enough duration and frequency
How many times do you think is enough: Once? Two? Ten?. The truth is that the minimum frequency for a person not to develop oral problems, such as periodontal diseases, is at least twice a day.
The duration is also an important thing you should always put in mind. It takes at least two minutes to brush your teeth properly. Many adults do it for a shorter amount of time. To brush your teeth correctly, try to time yourself and make gentle, short movements, paying close attention to the line of the gums to reach the back teeth and the areas around the fillings.
The ideal thing is that you should brush your teeth after every meal. Also, you should not forget to brush before bed. This is because when you sleep, the production of saliva and the movements of the tongue decreases. Such conditions are favorable for bacterial plaque formation.
- Exercising poor brushing technique
One of the big toothbrushing mistakes when performing the dental cleaning routine is the technique used. You may think you do it well, but on many occasions, it is not. Some people think that brushing their teeth vigorously will make them cleaner, but the reality is that this is a mistake. It can cause problems such as tooth sensitivity, tooth wear, receding gums, root caries, or chipping of the enamel. Another common toothbrush mistake when brushing our teeth is that the brush is not tilted enough. With wrong placement, the movements go from the tooth to the gum, with the consequent risk of damaging it.
To begin brushing, you can divide the mouth into 4 sections so that no area is left behind. If you create a routine always to follow, you will be able to keep all the parts of the mouth healthy and clean.
The brush should be placed at 45º to the mouth and must move from top to bottom, vertically and never horizontally; otherwise, you could damage the gums and cause problems. You must clean the external and internal face of the teeth and the chewing surface for a minimum of 2 minutes, that is, 30 seconds for each of the sectors in which you have divided the mouth.
- Not changing the brush when necessary
Another toothbrush mistake you are probably making with your toothbrush is not changing your toothbrush when necessary. You have to change it immediately if the bristles deteriorate or you see that the bristles become deformed and lose effectiveness. Even if still in good condition, you should not use your toothbrush for more than 3 months. The toothbrush should be replaced with a new one every three months. It should also be changed if it has gone through a flu process or any infection. This is because the germs can accumulate and cause the disease to reactivate.
- Unhygienic toothbrush storage
Many people keep their toothbrushes inside the cupboard, the sink, and the drawer. When storing it, you need to be careful because your toothbrush can accumulate more bacteria and germs than usual when stored in the wrong way. This can affect your oral health.
Many people leave their toothbrushes uncovered. It can bring enemy bacteria to your health. The ideal thing is to keep it inside the closet and in an open container. In addition, before a new brushing, it is good to wash it to remove any residue from the last cleaning.
Do not store in contact with other brushes. Contact between different brushes can create a bacteria bridge from one to the other. And most importantly, do not share your brush with anyone. They are personal and non-transferable.
When storing your toothbrush, keep away from the toilet. If the place where you keep your toothbrush is very close to the toilet, it is better to choose to move it. The bathroom is an area full of bacteria. So always close the toilet lid when you flush and make your toothbrush more protected using those covers on your head. Also, if possible, use bins with a pedal lid to avoid direct contact.
Also, you should keep the brush in the correct position. You should not leave it horizontally, as it would be inside the drawer. Keeping horizontally makes it difficult for the bristles to dry in addition to contaminating more easily with the environment. It is better to leave it inside a container or compartment that can stand up, not forgetting to protect it with a protective lid.
Conclusion:
Brushing remains the most effective method of controlling bacterial plaque in the oral cavity and maintaining proper oral hygiene. To achieve this, you need to avoid these common errors and maintain correct brushing techniques. Using your brush properly makes it easier to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.