Dentist in DeLand: How to Break 4 Bad Brushing Habits

Biting your fingernails, slouching at your desk or skipping breakfast – these are some examples of bad habits that can negatively affect your health. Not practicing good oral hygiene can also have a lasting impact, specifically on your dental health. Without proper brushing habits, you will fail to remove harmful plaque and tartar, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. To keep your teeth clean and your mouth healthy, check out the following notes from a dentist in DeLand on the most common bad brushing habits – and how to break them.

Don’t Rush the Brush

Do you speed through brushing your teeth at night so you can hop into bed sooner? Or do you easily get distracted and end up only brushing your teeth for 30 to 45 seconds? Rushing through your oral hygiene routine can leave harmful plaque and tartar on your teeth.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily for a full two minutes each time in order to thoroughly clean the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Consider setting an alarm on your phone to ensure you do not quit brushing before the 2-minute mark. If you prefer electric toothbrushes, opt for one that can automatically time your brushing for you.

Avoid Aggressive Brushing

Take a moment to inspect your toothbrush. Do the bristles already appear flat and beat up even though your brush is relatively new? That is a sure sign that you are brushing too aggressively and need to ease up.

Applying too much pressure when brushing your teeth can wear away your tooth enamel and cause your gums to recede, resulting in tooth sensitivity. Moreover, losing the glossy outer layer of tooth enamel will lead to a darker smile as the yellow dentin layer is slowly revealed.

Brush your teeth gently using circular and back-and-forth motions that feel comfortable and do not crush the bristles of your toothbrush.

Ditch the Dampness

When you pick up your toothbrush, is it typically still damp from the last time you used it? A wet toothbrush can harbor bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums.

To avoid a damp toothbrush, be sure to store it in an upright position in the open air so that the bristles can properly dry.

Know When to Replace Your Toothbrush

Just like replacing old, worn-down car tires to stay safe when driving, old toothbrushes need to be replaced regularly to ensure your mouth stays clean.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. One easy way to remember this tip is to throw out your toothbrush at the beginning of every season.

Proper oral hygiene is key to maintaining a healthy mouth. Follow the tips above from a dentist in DeLand to fight tooth decay and keep smiling for many years to come!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Cowell has been helping DeLand residents achieve and maintain healthy smiles for 20 years. A proud University of Florida College of Dentistry graduate, he enjoys building relationships with patients while also providing them with excellent quality dental care. For more oral health tips, visit Dr. Cowell’s website or call 386-734-8585.