Wrong Brushing Habits Can Harm the Teeth

You may think they you are doing a wonderful job of cleaning your teeth just by brushing twice a day, but the reality is that if you have bad brushing habits, you could be doing more damage than you realize. The main reason we brush our teeth is to avoid cavities, but some habits are so bad they actually cause cavities. Make sure that you are not employing any of these wrong techniques when you clean your teeth.

• Not brushing for long enough. It’s a fact that most people do not spend enough time brushing their teeth. You should spend two to three minutes each time. You may feel like you are taking this long, but you should set a timer to check.

• Not watching where you are brushing. Many of us go on auto-pilot during this daily chore, but it is important to pay attention. Make sure you are getting your back molar and the gum line, where plaque, tartar, and bacteria like to hang out.

• Brushing too hard can also be damaging to your teeth. It can mean greater enamel breakage, which can cause notches called abfraction lesions at your gums.

• Using the right brush is also very important. Make sure to use a soft or ultra-soft brush, as one with bristles too hard can cause unnecessary pain and damage.

Follow these rules to fix or avoid any bad habits you may have when brushing your teeth, and be sure to ask your dental cleaning dentist in Los Angeles for more tips and advice specific to your dental needs.

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