1. Rough Scrubbing

Adding more muscle to your brushing routine does not give your teeth a more thorough clean. Removing plaque from your teeth is more like wiping-up spilled milk instead of breaking-down tough grease. Brushing should feel like a comfortable tooth massage.

2. Quick Brushing

A buildup of plaque on your teeth over time causes hard tartar to form which can break through your enamel and cause tooth decay. Only brushing once a day or forgetting to brush can cause damage to your teeth over time. Set a timer on your phone for two minutes or listen to your favorite song while your brushing.

3. Keeping Old Toothbrushes

You should replace your toothbrushes every three to four months or when the bristles begin to fray. A few other signs of an overused toothbrush are discoloration, dirt, and a bent shape. To keep your toothbrush clean, store it in a dry place with open air.

4. Robotic Brushing

Just putting a toothbrush in your mouth is not enough to keep your smile healthy. It can be easy to get into a habit of brushing your teeth mechanically side to side for two minutes. However, the most effective way to brush your teeth is to brush up and down in a circular motion. Brushing is not just about getting it done, it is also important to do a quality job.

5. Forgetting Your Tongue

When bacteria gets stuck on the back of your tongue or in your molars it can cause bad breath. Your back molars create the perfect mixture of little oxygen and high protein from foods which fuels the foul-smelling bacteria. Using a tongue brusher or even brushing with your toothbrush can remove this bacteria and reduce potential tooth decay and bad breath.

Brushing twice a day for two minutes each is the best way to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and a plethora of other mouth-related issues. If you have questions about your daily brushing routine or if you would like to receive teeth cleaning call Smiles of Memorial at (281)-493-0061.