You brush your teeth every day, thinking you’re doing it right, but have you ever really considered whether or not you are?
Bad habits can develop over time as you brush without even realising that they are doing more harm than good. It’s the right technique and tools that make all the difference. If you use the Spotlight Toothbrush, consider yourself one step ahead, but there is a little bit more below on how you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Brushing Too Hard
Sure, it might look like brushing as hard as you can is the best way to remove plaque, but in actuality, it can do more harm than good. Brushing too hard wears down enamel and causes irritation to your gums, resulting in sensitivity and receding gums. So, instead of going in as hard as possible, go easy and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Let the bristles do the work, and brush as if you are cleaning a delicate surface. Hard but gentle.
Not Brushing for Long Enough
You may feel like you’re brushing for the full two minutes, but realistically, anything less than this is not giving your teeth the full clean that they need. Many are brushing for just 30 seconds and visibly leaving much of their teeth covered in plaque. The solution? Use a timer, and use an electric toothbrush with a timer built in like the Spotlight toothbrush. It’s such a small change, but it has such an impact.
Using the Wrong Toothbrush
Not all toothbrushes are created equally. Some have bristles that are too hard, and others are made with poor-quality material that isn’t clean either. Spotlight Oral Care suggests a high-quality toothbrush with soft bristles to clean without damaging the tooth’s surface. Particular favorites are sonic toothbrushes, which can target plaque, break it up, and get in nooks and crannies that other toothbrushes can’t.
Ignoring Your Tongue
Like your teeth and gums, your tongue hosts bacteria, and neglecting this part of your mouth can impact your health. An unclean tongue can result in an increase in bad breath and plaque on the tongue. Clean and rinse your tongue with your toothbrush and rinse with some water. It is easy, quick to do, and a simple step to make a difference.
Not Replacing Your Toothbrush Regularly
That toothbrush you’ve been using for the past six months? It’s probably not really doing its job anymore. When the bristles become frayed, they are less effective, and you may be making bacteria and their habitats in the bristle rather than your teeth. It is always a good idea to switch out your toothbrush every three months as you notice fraying of the bristles. Don’t forget if you are an electric toothbrush user to change your toothbrush head regularly.
A Healthier Smile Starts with Better Habits
Brushing your teeth isn’t just something you do to kill time in the bathroom. At the very least, you can— and should want to — keep disease-causing bacteria out of your mouth. Do yourself a favor and stop making these tooth-brushing mistakes. Once you’ve nixed them, just pick up a Spotlight Toothbrush and call it a day. Your teeth and mouth will thank you.