Austin Dentist Shares Mistakes You May Make While Brushing Your Teeth

Good oral hygiene and a sparkling smile all start with brushing your teeth, but did you know that you may not be brushing your teeth properly? By taking time to learn the proper techniques, you can avoid painful cavities and gingivitis. Even better, you’ll feel more confident in your smile. Our Austin dentist at Grand Oaks Dentistry breaks down some of the most common mistakes that people may be making during their daily dental routine.

Rinsing Out Your Toothpaste

When you’re done brushing your teeth, most people fill their mouths with water, swish, and spit out all the toothpaste. However, you’re actually making your toothpaste less effective.

Instead, when you’re done brushing your teeth, simply spit out the excess toothpaste and keep the rest on your teeth. This will allow the fluoride to work more effectively in keeping cavities away. 

Keeping the Same Toothbrush

Do you know the last time you got a new toothbrush? If you can’t remember, you’ve most likely kept it far beyond its lifetime. The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every three months. This is because your current toothbrush has been worn down, so the bristles aren't giving the most effective cleaning as they had been when it was brand new. There is also bacteria buildup within the bristles that will continue to linger, which may fight against your daily cleaning routine.

You’re Not Brushing Long Enough

We recommend that you brush your teeth for two minutes in the morning and evening. Why two minutes? This is just long enough to brush each quadrant of your mouth thoroughly, getting rid of as much plaque as possible. 

Any shorter means that you may be missing areas, or you won’t be brushing long enough to make a difference. Your time is valuable, so make sure that you’re brushing your teeth long enough to make an impact on the plaque and tartar buildup in your mouth.

Take Time to Brush Your Teeth Properly

By taking the time to brush your teeth properly twice a day, not only will your oral hygiene improve, but so will your bank account. The reason for this is that you’ll be able to avoid costly procedures, such as cavity fillings and root canals. 

You’ll also be able to recognize issues with your teeth before they become major issues. For instance, cavities often start out as dark spots on the surface of your teeth. 

Ready to improve your oral hygiene? It all starts with routine cleanings. Call Grand Oaks Dentistry at (512) 291-1666 to schedule your appointment for your next visit with our Austin dentist, Dr. Sharma. We can't wait to see your smile!