Toothbrushing Mistakes

Toothbrushing is such an ingrained habit, few people think twice about it. But as with any habit, you can get sloppy, and that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Here, dentists and oral health experts point out 10 common toothbrushing mistakes and how to fix them.

 Not Using the Right Toothbrush
Consider the size of your mouth when picking a toothbrush, If you are straining to open wide enough to let the brush in, the brush is probably too big. The handle has to be comfortable," he says. It should feel as comfortable as holding a fork when you eat.The more comfortable it is in your mouth and your hand, then the more likely you will use it and use it properly.



Not Picking the Right Bristle
Some toothbrushes have angled bristles, others straight. It's more related to technique than the way the bristles come out. Bristles that are too stiff can aggravate the gums. The ADA recommends a soft-bristled brush is recommended. Bristles should be sturdy enough to remove plaque but not hard
enough to damage [the teeth] when used properly.


  Not Brushing Often Enough or Long Enough
Softly brushing your teeth at least twice a day is recommended,three times a day is best
With too much time between brushings, bacterial plaque will build up, boosting the risk of gum inflammation and other problems. .

Brushing Too Often or Too Hard
While brushing your teeth three times a day is ideal, more may not be,  more than four toothbrushings a day would begin to seem compulsive.
Excessive brushing could expose the root of the tooth to irritation, and that could in turn irritate the gums. Brushing vigorously can also erode tooth enamel. The trick is to brush very gently for two to three minutes.
 
Not Brushing Correctly
Long horizontal strokes along the gumline can lead to abrasions, aim your bristles at the gumline at a 45-degree angle and do short strokes or vibrations. Softly brush up and down your teeth, not across your teeth. The strokes should be vertical, not horizontal.
Be sure to brush outer and inner tooth surfaces, the chewing surfaces, and your tongue.

  Skipping Inner Tooth Surfaces
Most people forget to brush the inner surfaces of teeth – the surface that your tongue presses against.The plaque you can't see is just as important to remove as the plaque you can see.
The most commonly skipped area, is the inner surface of the front teeth.

 Not Following Up With a Rinse
Bacteria can grow on an un-rinsed toothbrush. Then, the next time you brush your teeth, you may actually put old bacteria back in your mouth. Rinsing the toothbrush after you brush will help remove any leftover toothpaste, too.

Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry
"If you have a toothbrush that's perpetually moist, it will cultivate more bacteria, if the bristles stay soggy, you can misshape them as you use the brush," Price says. "Or it might be a breeding ground for bacteria. It's a good idea to shake out the moisture, then recap it with a cap that allows air in.

 Not Changing the Toothbrush Often Enough
The American Dental Association recommends a new brush every three or four months, or even sooner if the bristles look frayed.
But rather than go by a strict timeline. Visual inspection of the bristles is better. "Once the bristles lose their normal flexibility and start to break apart, change your toothbrush. Look more at the state of the bristles than the time period. Some brushes have colored indicators that alert you when they need replacing,