Six Brushing Habits to Ditch
- Keeping your toothbrush for too long
- Do you remember the last time you changed your toothbrush? The ADA recommends switching out your toothbrush every 3-4 months to prevent bristles from getting too worn, frayed, and unable to do their job.
- Not brushing for long enough
- This habit has many culprits! Did you know that most people only brush for an average of 45 seconds? Remember, two whole minutes are recommended to keep your smile healthy. Try setting a timer to avoid falling short
- Brushing too hard
- Many people assume that brushing harder is better, but this is not necessarily true. To remove food and plaque, brush gently. Overly forced brushing can result in gum damage from excessive pressure.
- Storing your toothbrush improperly
- Keep your toothbrush stored upright and let it air fry. Avoid keeping it in a closed container for too long– this gives more opportunity for bacterial growth.
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
- Going back to #3, soft bristles are best in order to maintain the health of your gums
- Using a brush that’s not the best fit for you
- Have you tried both manual and electric toothbrushes? If so, you know that they both get the job done, but each have their pros and cons in terms of comfort, ease of brushing, and cost. Test both out and see what type works best for you!
