Do you brush your teeth twice a day? Are you conscientious about using dental floss and mouthwash? If so, your teeth cleaning routine already puts you on the right track for keeping your pearly whites healthy and sparkling. However, even if you brush and floss regularly, there may be some habits that you're guilty of without realizing it. Here are four common toothbrushing mistakes that can cause problems down the road and how to correct them.

Avoid These Habits for Better Oral Health

1. Brushing too Firmly

While it may seem that scrubbing harder will get your teeth cleaner, it can actually damage your tooth enamel and lead to gum recession. In some cases, it can trigger bleeding gums, too. To avoid this, use gentle circular motions instead of scrubbing back and forth, and let your toothbrush do most of the work.

2. Brushing too Quickly

The American Dental Association recommends brushing for two minutes at a minimum, but even that may not be enough time to reach all the nooks and crannies in your mouth. If you're having trouble keeping track of time, try setting a timer on your phone or investing in an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer.

3. Not Changing Toothbrushes

Don't keep using your brush once it has started to show some wear. Ideally, you should replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head, if you use an electric brush) every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray. Also, don't forget to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use, otherwise bacteria can build up on the bristles and lead to gum disease.

4. Forgetting Your Tongue

Brushing is not just about teeth cleaning, it's also about your overall oral health and hygiene. This is why it's important to clean your tongue when you brush your teeth. Your tongue can harbor just as much bacteria as your pearly whites, so be sure to give it a good scrub with your toothbrush or a tongue scraper every time you brush.

If you want to enhance your smile and overall appearance, start with professional teeth cleaning from the team at Waterford Dental Health of Waterford, CT, then be sure to follow their excellent advice on how to maintain that sparkling smile. These experienced and caring dentists will make you feel at ease with their calm, relaxed atmosphere and cutting edge dental technology. For more information about these skilled oral care professionals and their services, visit their website. Call (860) 447-2235 to schedule a consultation.