The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing for 2 full minutes twice daily, then flossing afterward to help remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to common dental problems, such as cavities and gum disease.
But even those committed to their at-home dental hygiene routine can make mistakes their dentist might notice during their next standard checkup and cleaning. Continue reading to learn about 3 frequent faux pas that patients make so you can avoid them and help protect your smile!
Concern #1: Overly Aggressive Brushing
Brushing your enamel scrubs away unhealthy germs that can erode your enamel or penetrate your connective tissues. But ‘too much of a good thing’ can sometimes apply if you tend to scrub your teeth too aggressively.
For instance, you don’t need much pressure to remove plaque, and pressing your toothbrush too forcefully against your teeth might gouge or wear down your enamel faster than normal. You might also develop a receding gumline if you push too hard against the tender connective tissues. You can help prevent this by holding your toothbrush with just two or three fingers to remind yourself not to overdo it.
Concern #2: Not Flossing
Brushing alone is believed to remove about half of the buildup from your teeth and gums, meaning that you must also floss to clean them more thoroughly. If you regularly skip this step in your twice-daily dental hygiene routine, your dentist or hygienist may notice that your gums are too soft, dark-toned, or bleed during your next appointment. These symptoms can indicate developing gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease.
Unfortunately, periodontal problems don’t typically resolve themselves, and if your condition progresses, it might be manageable but not fully curable. Thankfully, you can help halt and reverse the progress of gum disease by flossing more consistently and visiting your dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning.
Concern #3: Rushing Your Routine
You’re not alone if you tend to rush through your early morning dental hygiene regimen because you often sleep in or feel groggy and forgetful when you wake up. Sources report that most people spend about 45 seconds brushing their teeth, which is more effective than not cleaning them at all.
However, the ADA recommends scrubbing gently for two full minutes before flossing because, generally speaking, the longer you brush, the more plaque you remove.
If your dentist finds any areas of concern during your next checkup, they’ll provide a customized treatment plan to address it, which might include additional tips for upgrading your at-home dental hygiene routine!
About the Practice
Patients at Timeless Smiles Morgan Hill Orthodontics and Dental Practice benefit from 3 experts passionate about helping them build and maintain happy, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Shilpa Admala, Dr. Jenny Hong, and Dr. Naveen Admala have 15+ years of combined experience helping people of all ages improve their smiles. They take the time to learn your unique concerns and goals, then use advanced technology to devise and deliver customized treatment plans to address them. If you need a checkup and cleaning, you can contact the office on the website or call (408) 763-3008.