The ADA has listed several brushing habits they want you to break. Here are our top 3 from their list.
- We don’t brush long enough. Most people brush their teeth for 45 seconds, but the optimal time for brushing is a full two minutes a day, twice per day, according to MouthHealthy.org.
- We brush too soon after a meal. Brushing after a meal is a good idea, but wait at least 30 minutes, especially if you enjoyed something acidic, such as lemons or soda. MouthHealthy.org recommends chewing sugarless gum or drinking water while waiting to brush.
- We brush too hard. Ease up! According to MouthHealthy.org, some people brush their teeth harder than they need to for an effective cleaning. “Too much pressure may wear down the hard outer shell on your teeth and damage your gums,” according to the website.
Try breaking your unhealthy brushing habits today. Come see us for more helpful tips, and remember twice a year, regular cleaning is best.