5 Common Dental Hygiene Mistakes: Are You Brushing Your Teeth Correctly?
It’s common knowledge that brushing your teeth is one of the most important things that you can do to maintain healthy teeth and a whiter smile. Yet even total commitment and dedication to regular brushing often seems to be of little effect when it comes to preventing cavities and other dental issues. If you visit a dentist in Midtown Manhattan, chances are that you may discover that your problem has more to do with how you brush your teeth than almost any other factor.
Ebenezer Dental is a great place to receive dental check-ups in midtown Manhattan and learn more about proper dental hygiene techniques. Just a few moments of consultation with midtown Manhattan dentist Dr. Karen Kang will provide you with important information about how your current brushing regimen may be leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay and a whole host of other oral hygiene issues. As part of that education, you’ll learn about five of the most common dental hygiene mistakes:
The Two-minute rule
Here’s a test that can help you to determine whether you’re actually brushing long enough: set the timer on your watch or kitchen clock for two minutes and then brush your teeth as you normally do. If you’re like most people, you’ll be surprised to learn that you probably only brush for about forty-five seconds to a minute. For best results, you need to brush for two minutes during each session.
Brushing Too Hard
Problems can occur when you brush more than three times daily, or when you use too much force or a brush with hard bristles. Pressing down on the teeth can harm the gums, and damage the enamel that protects your teeth. Gentle brushing with soft bristles is all that you need to get the job done!
Tongue Scraping
By most estimates, more than fifty percent of the bacteria in your mouth are found on the tongue. When you’re brushing your teeth, you’re missing half of all of the harmful substances if you fail to brush your tongue as well. Try a tongue scraper if your gag reflex prevents you from using the brush.
The Right Toothpaste
If you’re using tartar control or whitening toothpaste, you may be damaging your teeth without realizing it. Try to stick with fluoride toothpaste. It’s gentler and less likely to harm your enamel.
Storing Your Toothbrush
If your toothbrush is sitting in the bathroom unprotected, it’s being exposed to bacteria every time you flush the toilet! Get a toothbrush case or store the brush in a medicine cabinet to prevent those germs from finding their way onto the brush and into your mouth.
When you visit midtown Manhattan dentist Dr. Karen Kang, she won’t just provide you with the dental care you need. Your regular dental check-ups in midtown Manhattan can provide the perfect opportunity for learning these and other useful oral hygiene techniques as well. That’s why everyone who wants care from the best dentist in Midtown Manhattan knows that Ebenezer Dental is the place to go.