It is really crucial to keep good oral health in general and brush teeth as part of routine. However, most of them brush their teeth in a wrong way without even knowing it. Brushing itself is not so difficult but the wrong brushing could result in multiple oral issues such as cavities, gum disease, and sensitivity of the teeth.
Recognizing the signs of improper brushing will help to modify poor manners and establish good oral hygiene. Seven ways of identifying whether you are brushing teeth improperly are being discussed below.
7 Ways to Identify If You’re Brushing Teeth Improperly
- Your Gums Bleed After Brushing
Bleeding gums are the most common sign of improper brushing. The majority of individuals believe gum bleeding is normal, but most cases indicate that something is wrong. Hard brushing, brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush, or insufficient brushing may lead to gums bleeding and irritation.
Good technique is a soft-bristled toothbrush and the use of gentle circular motion to brush gum and teeth. If gums bleed every time thereafter after brushing, it may be that the technique has to be altered and to receive some guidance from a dentist.
- You Have Recurring Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, can be an indication of poor brushing. When the tongue and teeth are not brushed, food particles and bacteria accumulate in the mouth, creating stinky-breathed air.
Brushing needs to be of the whole mouth, not only the teeth. Brush the roof of the mouth, inner cheek, and tongue also to get rid of bacteria. Poor brushing leaves behind plaque-containing bacteria that cause bad breath. When bad breath continues after normal brushing, it may mean improved oral hygiene measures need to be adopted.
- Your Teeth Look Yellow or Have a High Build-Up of Plaque
If the teeth are yellowish or one can see plaque developing on them even after regular brushing, then it could indicate that brushing teeth is not done in the right manner. Plaque is a coat of bacteria that accumulates on teeth and, if not cleaned off, causes tooth decay and gum disease.
By using improper brushing techniques, such as brushing too vigorously or missing spots, there is room for plaque to form. Two minutes of brushing, all surfaces of the teeth, should be utilized. Flossing, once a day, also addresses areas that the toothbrush cannot.
- You Feel Sensitivity in Your Teeth
Sensitivity of the teeth could be caused by excessive or rough brushing. Excessive pressure or the use of a hard-bristled brush will wear off enamel, leaving dentin underneath, which is sensitive. It aches to eat hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Brushing away gently with a soft toothbrush and avoiding the use of rough back-and-forth strokes can avert enamel erosion. In case sensitivity persists, using sensitive toothpaste along with a visit to the dentist is an option.
- You Get Cavities Frequently
Regardless of routine toothbrushing, frequent cavities are the evidence that technique of toothbrushing is useless. Faulty toothbrushing fails to clean plaque and food particles and causes teeth to decay.
Brush in circular motions in small areas to touch every surface on every tooth. Not brushing the back molars will lead to more cavities. Fluoride toothpaste not only protects against decay, but it makes the enamel more resilient. Dentists can diagnose areas that need better cleansing techniques at regular check-ups.
- Your Gums Are Receding
Receding gums are a very unpleasant side effect of brushing teeth in the wrong way. Brushing teeth too hard or with the wrong technique will erode the gums, leaving the roots of the teeth exposed. Not only is this not pleasing to the eye, but it also makes the teeth sensitive to infection.
To prevent gum recession, brushing should be gentle with a soft toothbrush and brushing at a 45-degree angle against the gum line. Professional assistance should be sought in case of suspected gum recession before further damage is done.
- You Don’t Replace Your Toothbrush Often
Wearing a worn-out or dirty toothbrush is also an indication of poor brushing. Toothbrush bristles get weak over time and are not able to clean teeth. A worn-out toothbrush is not able to remove plaque effectively and even hurts gums.
Dentists recommend the replacement of a toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if there are worn bristles. Another means of maintaining brushing soft but firm is to employ a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Inadequate brushing of teeth can lead to a variety of oral illnesses including cavities, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity. Recognition of symptoms of poor brushing allows one to improve on these to achieve better overall oral hygiene. The right brushing skills, utilization of the correct toothbrush, and the right dental care regimen can allow one to possess a healthier and whiter smile.
Good dental health starts with small changes, and correcting brushing mistakes can go a long way to healthy gums and healthy teeth. If any of these symptoms persist after proper brushing practice has been employed, the best course of action is to visit a dentist.
