- Not brushing long enough
We all know that it’s recommended you brush for 2 minutes, but how many of us can confidently say we brush for that long? Try setting a timer when you brush your teeth to make sure you brush for the entire 2 minutes. Most electric toothbrushes come with a built-in timer that will let you know when 2 minutes are up.
- Not flossing often enough
While it is best to floss once every day, even just taking the time to floss 3-4 times a week goes a long way for your oral health. Make sure to curve the floss around the base of each tooth and scrape up and down the tooth. Make sure to gently move the floss below the gum line to remove and plaque forming there.
- Rinsing after brushing
After brushing, it is best to let the residual toothpaste sit on your teeth for at least 30 minutes. This gives the fluoride enough time to bond with the enamel, strengthening your teeth. It is important to not eat and drink anything during this 30-minute wait, and if you like to use mouthwash, try using it before you brush!
- Not brushing before bed
Saliva plays a vital role in keeping our teeth strong and protected from bacteria. Our mouths produce less saliva during sleep, which means our teeth are more vulnerable. Brushing before bed helps clear any food debris and cut down on our mouth’s bacteria population during this more vulnerable period. Also, the protective effects of the fluoride in toothpaste are only effective for approximately 12 hours, so applying toothpaste twice a day ensures 24-hour protection.
