Have you ever glanced at your reflection in the bathroom mirror mid-brush and questioned your dental hygiene prowess? Fear not, for we are about to embark on a journey to uncover the dark secrets and hilarious blunders that lurk behind the act of brushing our teeth. So grab your toothbrush, and get ready to smile your way through a rollercoaster that will leave you scrubbing away your old habits and embracing a brighter, more efficient oral health routine!
1. Brushing side to side? It's causing serious damage
Horizontal scrubbing, once the go-to, now feels outdated. The new enchantment? Delicate, small circular swirls. It's a shift toward finesse and elegance rather than a hurried back-and-forth. Embracing this circular technique promises a meticulous, gentle cleanse that's kind to your gums.
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Horizontal scrubbing is so last decade. The magic motion? Small circular swirls. It's all about grace and finesse, not a rushed tug of war. By adopting the circular technique, you're ensuring a thorough, gum-friendly clean. Rotate, don’t reciprocate. Your teeth deserve that dance!Original content sourced from Femanin.com
2. You NEED to brush your tongue! Here's why...
The tongue, beyond being your go-to for savoring the flavors of your favorite treats, happens to be a hotspot for bacteria! Neglecting its care is practically an invitation for those crafty bacteria to host their own shindig. But fear not! Break up their rendezvous by giving that tongue a good brush.
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The tongue isn't just there to taste your favorite ice cream; it's a haven for bacteria! If you're not giving it a brush, you're letting those sneaky bacteria throw a party. Break up the gathering, brush that tongue, and freshen up the scene. Your breath will thank you, and so will anyone you chat with. Talk about a win-win!
3. This could be making you sick
Leaving your toothbrush coated in gunk after a brushing session? That’s like rolling out the red carpet for bacteria. They thrive in that damp, toothpaste-coated setting! But fear not, the solution is simple. After brushing, make it a habit to give your toothbrush a thorough rinse.
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Leaving your toothbrush gunky post-brush is a rookie move. Bacteria love a damp, toothpaste-clad environment. Give that brush a good rinse, shake off the excess water, and let it air-dry. It’s basic brush hygiene 101. Treat it right, and it'll do the same for your teeth!
4. STOP! Do not brush after eating!
If your habit is to indulge in a meal and then rush into brushing your teeth, it might be time to reconsider that routine. You see, the acids present in food can actually soften the enamel on your teeth, making them more vulnerable. When you brush immediately after eating, you risk pushing these acids deeper into the enamel.
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If your routine is to eat, then brush immediately, it's time for a change. Acids from food can soften enamel, and brushing might push these deeper. Let saliva neutralize things first. A 30-minute waiting game post-meal can be a game-changer for your teeth's longevity.
5. Not Actually Looking At Your Teeth While You Brush
Absolutely! Brushing your teeth isn't just about scrubbing away—they offer a peek into the world inside your mouth. It's like a mini oral health check-up! If you limit your inspection to only those front teeth, you might inadvertently overlook potential issues lurking in the shadows.
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Brushing your teeth is a great opportunity to take a look inside your mouth and just check that everything looks okay! If you're not actually looking beyond the first few teeth you have at the front, you might miss any issues, like a crack you didn't know was there, a gum that looks suspiciously red, or a bit of food your floss unfortunately missed!
6. Sharing A Toothbrush (Ew)
Sharing a toothbrush? That's a big no-no, no matter the situation. Even if you're close enough to share secrets with someone, using their toothbrush is a hygiene red flag. Sure, you might swap kisses, but a toothbrush is a whole different ball game completely...
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Under no circumstances should you ever be sharing a toothbrush - period. Even if it's your partner who you play tonsil tennis with every other day, you still shouldn't be sharing their toothbrush, even if it's just for one night that you've stopped over. It's unhygienic, to say the least!
7. Fluoride Faux Pas
Choosing toothpaste isn't just about grabbing any tube off the shelf—it's about finding the superhero ingredient: fluoride. This magical component is the real game-changer in the fight against cavities and fortifying your enamel. Without fluoride, it's like trying to reel in fish with bare hands.
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Thinking any toothpaste will do the trick? Think again! Fluoride is the superstar that fights cavities and strengthens enamel. Without it, brushing is like trying to catch fish with bare hands. Slippery and not very effective. So, next time you're in the toothpaste aisle, make sure fluoride is on the guest list.
8. Not too much pressure
When it comes to brushing, brute force isn't the answer. Aggressive brushing might seem effective, but it's a surefire way to invite trouble—hello, gum recession and worn enamel! The key isn’t power but finesse. Think of it as a delicate caress rather than a vigorous scrubbing session.
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Powering through isn't the mantra when it comes to brushing. Hard brushing can lead to gum recession and enamel wear. Remember, it's not about force, but technique. Switch from the "Hulk smash" mode to a "gentle caress" for your pearly whites. Let's not turn this into a pressure cooker situation!
9. Starting Line Stumble
If you find yourself always starting your brushing routine at the same spot, it might be time to add a little spice to your dental routine! Mixing it up by beginning at different points ensures that no area of your mouth becomes neglected or overlooked. Think of it as a dental adventure!
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Always kicking off your brushing routine at the same spot? Mix it up! By varying your brushing starting point, you ensure no area becomes an afterthought and helps with even brushing throughout. Different day, different way. Variety is the spice of life and the key to a complete clean!
10. Bristle Bungle
When it comes to toothbrush bristles, the logic might suggest that harder means better, but in dental terms, hard bristles are more akin to sandpaper than a gentle scrub. Soft bristles, on the other hand, are the heroes that adapt seamlessly to the curves of your teeth and gum line.
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Hard bristles might sound like they'd give a good scrub, but in tooth-talk, they're more like sandpaper. Soft bristles adapt to the contours of your teeth and gum line, cleaning effectively without the damage. Time to ditch the harsh scrub and embrace the gentle touch!
11. Bathroom Blunder
Leaving your toothbrush out in the open in the bathroom? It might seem convenient, but it's like offering an open invitation to bacteria, especially if it's in close proximity to the toilet. Bathrooms can be a breeding ground for all sorts of germs, including aerosolized particles from flushing.
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Storing that toothbrush out in the open? Yikes! Bathrooms can be a bacteria hotspot, especially if the toothbrush is near the toilet. Aerosolized particles from flushing? No, thank you! Invest in a cover or a holder and place it in a less exposed spot. Guard your brush like it's a golden ticket—because for your teeth, it is!
12. Eager Beaver Brushing
After indulging in citrusy delights or sipping on that fizzy soda, it's tempting to rush straight to brushing, but hold on a moment! Those acidic foods or drinks have a sneaky effect—they temporarily soften your enamel. But here's the catch: brushing right away can be abrasive, causing potential damage.
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Chomped on some citrus or sipped some soda? Hold your horses before brushing! Acidic foods soften enamel temporarily. Brushing immediately can be abrasive. Wait about 30 minutes. Let your saliva do its neutralizing thing. Patience isn't just a virtue; it's a tooth-saver!
13. Paste Pile-Up
When it comes to toothpaste, less is definitely more! Squeezing out giant globs of toothpaste might seem like it's the shortcut to cleaner teeth, but in reality, it leads to nothing but a sink resembling a toothpaste explosion. Opting for a pea-sized amount is truly the golden rule.
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Giant globs of toothpaste won't get you cleaner teeth, just a messier sink. A pea-sized amount is all the magic potion you need. Let’s avoid the overflow and stick to the essentials. More isn't always merrier, especially in the toothpaste game, so take it easy!
14. Inner Sanctum Neglect
Our teeth have their own secret world inside—an often overlooked territory. Just because they're not front and center doesn’t mean they should be out of mind. Those hidden havens crave attention just as much as the visible ones. It’s time to embark on a dental exploration.
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The insides of our teeth—oh, those hidden havens! Just because they're out of sight shouldn't mean they're out of mind. They crave attention just as much as the front stage. Dive into those inner realms, brush them with care, and make sure they're not left in the dental dark.
15. Gum Line Lapse
Think of your gums as the silent protectors, holding the fort for your teeth. Ignoring them during your oral care routine is akin to neglecting the foundation of your house. It's the perfect breeding ground for plaque, the sneaky culprit behind gum disease. But fear not!
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Your gums: the unsung heroes holding the fort. Ignoring the gum line is like forgetting the foundation of your house. Plaque loves to creep in there, leading to gum disease. Angle your brush at 45 degrees and give your gums the love they deserve. Respect the base, and you're ace!
16. 45-Degree Dream
Let’s talk angles—the 45-degree secret is the holy grail of toothbrush mastery! Holding your toothbrush at this precise angle is like unlocking a secret weapon against the elusive plaque lurking beneath the gum line. It’s the sweet spot, the golden slant that ensures you reach those tricky areas.
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Speaking of angles, are you in on the 45-degree secret? It's the sweet spot! Holding the brush at this angle helps tackle the sneaky plaque hiding below the gum line. Think of it as the perfect slant for a perfect clean. Geometry isn’t just for math class—it’s the key to a pristine brush session.
17. Electric Excitement
While manual toothbrushes have their charm, have you experienced the buzz of an electric one? They're game-changers! Electric toothbrushes provide consistent pressure and rotations, ensuring a more comprehensive clean compared to their manual counterparts.
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Manual can be dandy, but have you felt the electric buzz? Electric toothbrushes can offer consistent pressure and rotations, often leading to a more thorough clean. It's like upgrading from a bicycle to a motorbike. Zoom through your dental routine with some electric enthusiasm!
18. Bedtime Brush-Off
Skipping the nighttime brush? That's a major dental oops! Here's the scoop: while we snooze, our saliva, our natural mouthwash, slows down its flow. And guess what? This slowdown gives bacteria the green light to throw a wild party in our mouths without interruptions.
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Neglecting your night brush? Big oops! Saliva, our natural mouthwash, reduces its flow at night. This means bacteria can throw a real rager without interruption. Don’t let them have the final say! Engage in a two-minute brushing session before you hit the sack, ensuring a cleaner mouth environment as you catch those Z's.
19. Holder Hygiene Hiccup
Ah, the toothbrush holder—often a silent observer to our dental rituals. Yet, it silently accumulates debris and a bustling population of bacteria. Weekly cleaning is the unsung hero here! While you're diligently brushing those pearly whites, don’t overlook the throne they rest upon.
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Your toothbrush holder is a silent spectator to all your dental routines. But it can accumulate debris and bacteria. Weekly cleaning is recommended. So, while you're brushing those pearly whites, don’t forget the throne they rest on. A clean holder reduces the risk of transferring unwanted germs back onto your brush.
20. Mouthwash Muddle
Here’s a twist in the oral hygiene tale! If your routine includes an immediate swish of mouthwash right after brushing, it might be time for a rethink. Turns out, this practice can actually diminish the effectiveness of the fluoride in your toothpaste.
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If you immediately swish mouthwash after brushing, it's time for a rethink. This practice can diminish the effectiveness of the fluoride in your toothpaste. Instead, wait at least thirty minutes post-brushing before indulging in your mouthwash. Enjoy the full benefits of your toothpaste first, then relish the refreshing sensation of your rinse.
21. Brush-Time Blues
Holding onto an old toothbrush is akin to wearing out-of-shape shoes—ineffective and potentially harmful. Around the 3-4 month mark, those once-mighty bristles lose their cleaning prowess and become mere placeholders in the brushing routine.
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Clinging onto that old toothbrush is like wearing worn-out shoes – ineffective and potentially harmful. After 3-4 months, those bristles aren't cleaning; they're just going through the motions. Rotate in a fresh brush to ensure you're always getting the best clean. Out with the old, in with the new!
22. Share & Scare
Handing over your toothbrush or using someone else’s can unwittingly introduce a whole new battalion of bacteria and germs into your oral territory. Think of it this way—your oral flora is as unique as your fingerprint. Swapping brushes might seem harmless, but it’s a one-way ticket to potential dental issues.
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Handing your toothbrush to someone? Full stop! This can introduce new bacteria and germs. Your oral flora is unique to you. Swapping brushes can be a one-way ticket to unwanted dental issues. Privacy matters, especially in dental care. Stick to your own!
23. Water Jet Joy
Ah, the wonders of oral irrigators or water flossers! These gadgets are like your teeth's trusty sidekicks in the quest for cleanliness. They swoop into those hidden recesses that even the most diligent brushing might miss—especially those tricky spaces between teeth and under the gumline.
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Oral irrigators or water flossers are fabulous allies. They reach recesses that even diligent brushing might miss, especially between teeth and under the gumline. While not a replacement for brushing or flossing, they offer an added layer of cleanliness. It’s the dental jet age, and your teeth are ready to fly!
24. Flossing Flub
Absolutely! Skipping flossing is like overlooking the secret agent in your oral hygiene team. Floss plays the role of an undercover agent, delving into those hidden nooks and crannies between your teeth where brushes simply can’t venture. It’s the unsung hero that ensures no debris or plaque remains.
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Neglecting to floss is a rookie mistake. Think of floss as the undercover agent uncovering hidden debris. It reaches between teeth where brushes can’t, ensuring no plaque remains. Partner it with brushing, and you’ve got a dynamic duo fighting for your oral health.
25. Bleeding Gums Beware
If your gums occasionally bleed after brushing, it might just be a sign of over-enthusiastic brushing—a minor mishap. But if this bleeding becomes a regular occurrence, your gums might be waving a red flag, indicating potential issues like gingivitis or other concerns.
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Occasional gum bleeding can be due to over-enthusiastic brushing. But if it's regular, your gums are raising a red flag. This can hint at conditions like gingivitis. So, if the sink looks pink consistently post-brush, book a dental appointment. Better safe than sorry!
26. Checkup Check-In
Yearly dental check-ups? They’re not just routine formalities—they’re the cornerstone of top-notch oral health, even for the most dedicated brushers. Why? Well, dentists are like detectives, equipped with trained eyes and fancy tools that our bathroom mirrors lack.
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Yearly dental check-ups aren't just formalities. They’re essential even for the most diligent brushers. Dentists spot potential problems early on. From cavities to gum health, their trained eyes and advanced tools can catch what our bathroom mirrors can't. A check-up can be your dental insurance against future complications.
27. Toothpaste Time-Travel
That ancient toothpaste tube tucked away in your cabinet? It might be time to bid it farewell! You see, toothpaste isn’t immortal. Over time, its active ingredients can degrade, losing their potency and effectiveness. Using fresh toothpaste isn’t just about the taste!
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Ancient toothpaste tube lurking in the cabinet? Toss it! Ingredients can degrade over time. Using fresh toothpaste ensures you’re getting all its benefits. It’s not just about taste, but efficacy. If it's past its prime, it’s time to replace.
28. Mindful Mouth Moves
When you're brushing your teeth, it's easy for the mind to drift off into other realms. But here's the thing: practicing mindful brushing brings your attention back to the task at hand. Being present during this crucial routine ensures that every tooth gets the attention it deserves.
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Mind wandering while brushing? Bring it back! Mindful brushing ensures every tooth gets attention. When we're present, we apply better technique, pressure, and coverage. Your teeth deserve that full focus. So, during those two minutes, let the world wait. Your dental health is on the line!
29. Prewet Perfection
A simple trick—giving your toothbrush a gentle pre-wetting before applying toothpaste—can make a world of difference. This pre-wetting step primes the brush, making it more receptive to the toothpaste and ensuring even coverage across your teeth.
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Starting with a bone-dry brush can be abrasive. A gentle pre-wetting primes it for the toothpaste, ensuring even coverage and a smoother glide. Those initial few seconds of prepping can make the entire experience more efficient. Water it down a tad to rev it up a ton!
30. Dietary Dentistry
Brushing is just one part of the oral health equation; what we eat and drink also heavily influences the health of our teeth and gums. Sugary snacks and acidic beverages can wreak havoc on enamel, being its arch-nemesis. It’s crucial to balance our dental care regimen with mindful eating.
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Brushing is half the equation. What we consume plays a huge role in our oral health. Sugary snacks, acidic beverages—they can be enamel’s nemesis. Balance your dental care regimen with mindful eating. Your teeth don’t just crave a good brush, but also the right munch!
31. Not Using Mouthwash At All
Mouthwash is a key player in your oral hygiene team, and its timing matters. While it's crucial to avoid using mouthwash immediately after brushing (to allow the fluoride from toothpaste to work effectively), it doesn’t mean forgetting about it altogether. One optimal time to use mouthwash is midday.
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Mouthwash can be just as important as floss, and while it's important to never mouthwash straight after brushing your teeth, this doesn't mean forgetting about it altogether and going about your day! The best time to mouthwash can be a lunchtime freshen up between brushes!
32. Not Moving About While Brushing
Those two minutes at the mirror don't have to be solely dedicated to teeth brushing—they can also be a fantastic opportunity to sneak in some extra movement! Especially if your day involves a lot of sitting, this time can be a perfect exercise window.
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It's important not to get distracted while brushing your teeth, but standing still can also be a good exercise opportunity wasted! Especially if you sit down all day, those two minutes at the mirror can be a chance to do some calf raises, left raises or marching on the spot!
33. Eating Straight Away After Brushing
The timing after eating acidic foods is crucial for protecting your tooth enamel. It’s not just about refraining from immediate brushing; it’s equally important to avoid eating right after brushing for the same reason. Even though you might feel like you've cleared the slate by brushing, your tooth enamel needs time to recover.
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It's important not to brush your teeth straight away after eating something - especially citrus items - but did you know it's also just as bad to eat straight away afterwards? You might think after brushing out of the way you're ready to go, but you need 30 minutes so the enamel isn't still too soft from brushing.
34. Not Brushing First Thing In The Morning
The moment you wake up, your mouth is a bustling metropolis of overnight bacterial activity. While the temptation to head straight to the kitchen for that cup of coffee or orange juice might be strong, taking a detour to the sink for a brush should actually be your first move.
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Brushing your teeth as soon as you wake up is one of the best things you can do to clear away that night's bacteria, but a lot of people might stumble to the kitchen and grab a coffee or cup of OJ before they've even contemplated brushing their teeth. The best thing to do is march straight to the sink!
35. Not Keeping On Top Of Retainer/Brace Cleaning
Having a retainer, whether it's a fixed or removable one, or braces can indeed make teeth cleaning a more intricate task. It might be a bit annoying, but giving extra attention to cleaning your braces or retainer is a top priority for maintaining good dental hygiene.
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If you use a retainer - whether fixed or removable - or have braces, then teeth cleaning is going to be a more complex job for you. Although it's annoying, taking extra care to brush your braces or retainer - or use a cleaning solution for a removable one - is priority for good dental hygiene!
36. Tips For You Coffee Drinkers!
We know that first cup of coffee in the morning is heaven - especially if someone brings it to you in bed! But because coffee is acidic, you need to know the best routine for morning drinkers. If you drink coffee first thing, wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
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If you brush your teeth straight away, you can have a coffee straight afterwards (though it may taste minty!) whereas with food, you would have to wait 30 minutes because of the potential of enamel changes. So if you don't mind a minty first sip of coffee... go for it!
37. Not Replacing Your Electric Toothbrush Head
When it comes to manual toothbrushes, it's often clear when it's time for a replacement—a simple toss and a fresh one takes its place. But with electric toothbrushes, it’s easy to overlook the regular changing of the brush head. Since it feels more like a long-term item, many people forget about this crucial step.
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It's very obvious when to replace a manual toothbrush, and it's easily done when you throw one away and pick up another disposable one. With electric toothbrushes, however, a lot of people forget about replacing the head regularly, because it feels much more like a 'long term' item. Don't forget to change your toothbrush head, ideally every 3 months.
38. Forgetting To Charge Your Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes offer a more thorough clean, but they do require maintenance, including regular charging. Forgetting to charge your electric toothbrush when it notifies you can lead to an inconvenient situation. Imagine picking up your toothbrush only to find it unresponsive or lacking power.
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Having an electric toothbrush means a deeper clean, but it also comes with its maintenance - which includes having to charge it all the time. One big mistake you can make is forgetting to charge it when it tells you, because you'll come to brush your teeth and it won't switch on. This makes it more likely you'll skip a brush, or not brush properly.
39. ... Or Forgetting To Pack Your Charger!
Forgetting your toothbrush charger while on vacation can be a real hassle. Sure, you might be able to find a replacement charger at your destination, but in the meantime, your toothbrush's power might dwindle, compromising its effectiveness. The last thing you want on vacation is to worry.
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Even worse is forgetting to pack your toothbrush charger if you're going on vacation! Sure, you'll likely be able to pick one up somewhere when you arrive at your destination, but brushing your teeth in the meantime is going to be a compromised job - and who wants to worry about a toothbrush while they're trying to enjoy their vacation?
40. Not Having A Manual Toothbrush On Standby
Having a backup plan for your dental care routine can be a game-changer, especially while traveling or in case of unexpected charging mishaps with your electric toothbrush. Keeping a manual toothbrush as a backup is a fantastic idea! This way, if you forget to charge your electric toothbrush, you have a backup.
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For the above reasons, it's actually a great idea to have a manual toothbrush as well as an electric. That way, if you do forget to charge your electric one, or you forget the charger, you have a manual one there ready to still brush your teeth properly before you can get back to business electrically!
41. Two-Minute Tango
Rushing through your brushing routine is like leaving behind a party of bacteria waiting to cause mischief in your mouth. The American Dental Association (ADA) doesn’t just suggest it—they strongly emphasize the importance of a solid two-minute brushing session.
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Did you know that zipping through your brushing routine means you're skipping over tons of nasty bacteria? The ADA isn't just suggesting – they're emphasizing a solid two-minute brushing session. That's just one short song's worth. Make it count and dance through those full 120 seconds!
42. Leaving It Until Right Before Bed To Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth before bedtime is crucial, but waiting until you're half-asleep can lead to a rushed or incomplete brushing session. When you're already on the brink of sleepiness, it's easy to skip the full two minutes or not pay enough attention to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums.
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You should definitely be brushing your teeth before you turn in for the night, but one mistake a lot of people make is leaving it until they're already half asleep and ready for bed. If you're struggling to stay awake, you'll likely do a quick brush rather than two minutes, and probably won't pay attention. Do it a little earlier instead when you still have your faculties!
43. Trying To Deep-Clean Your Toothbrush
While it’s true that toothbrushes can harbor bacteria, attempting a "deep clean" can actually do more harm than good. Aggressive cleaning methods, such as boiling or using harsh chemicals, might damage the bristles or the structure of the brush, reducing its effectiveness in cleaning your teeth.
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Toothbrushes are definitely gross with the amount of bacteria they can harbor, but it can actually be a mistake trying to give them a 'deep clean'. If you try too harshly to clean it, it may damage your brush so it'll end up not cleaning as effectively. As surprising as it may be, a good rinse in normal tap water is all you need to do (as well as letting it dry, and placing upright).
44. Reading Social Media/Influencer Tips
The pressure to achieve those seemingly perfect, super straight, and gleaming white teeth showcased by influencers on social media can be overwhelming. There's a lot of advice out there, from DIY whitening tricks to at-home orthodontic treatments, but it may not be the best...
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We all know about the impossible beauty standards on social media, whether it's hair, body or makeup. But the same can actually apply to super straight, shiny white teeth. You might be tempted to listen to an influencer about the best ways to get the best smile, but at the end of the day, only your qualified dentist can tell you that.
45. Full Coverage Fumble
Your teeth are prime real estate, and every surface deserves equal attention in your brushing routine. Just like cleaning every nook and cranny in a house, each tooth surface—inner, outer, and chewing—plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health.
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Let's talk real estate! Every tooth surface is prime property, and skipping any is like leaving rooms dirty in a house. The inner, outer, and chewing surfaces need equal love. It's not just the front and center; it's the nooks and crannies that count. Dive deep, explore all areas, and don’t let any spot miss out on the brush bash!
46. Not Paying Attention To Any Change In Sensation
Paying attention to how your teeth feel during your brushing routine is key to understanding your oral health beyond just appearances. Sensations like sudden sensitivity or discomfort while brushing, or feeling pain when rinsing your mouth with water, can be indicators of potential issues that need attention.
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Taking care of your teeth is about more than just looking. Brushing is a good opportunity to think about the way your teeth feel. Is a tooth at the back suddenly more sensitive when you put the brush on it? Does it hurt somewhere when you swill out your mouth with water?
47. Storing A Wet Toothbrush In A Closed Travel Case
When you’re traveling, it can be tricky to stick to your usual dental routine, especially when you’re in a rush to pack away wet items like your toothbrush. However, placing a wet toothbrush directly into a travel case or toiletry bag can create a moist environment that bacteria absolutely adore.
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Traveling with toiletries makes it difficult to stick to your usual routine, like when you need to immediately pack away soaps and toothbrush after you've used them the morning you're departing. But putting your wet toothbrush straight into a travel case isn't a good idea, because bacteria will love that moist environment.
48. The Problem With Piercings
Oral piercings, like tongue or lip piercings, can indeed pose risks beyond just the care directly involved with the piercing itself. Accidentally biting down on the jewelry can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, which can be painful and require dental attention.
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Having piercings is about more than taking care of them directly - they can actually negatively impact your dental hygiene. Many people crack teeth from accidentally biting down on tongue or lip piercings, not to mention the constant rubbing can eventually cause problems.
49. Not Wearing Your Retainer Often Enough
Consistently wearing your removable retainer as recommended by your dentist or orthodontist is crucial to maintain the results achieved by braces or other orthodontic treatments. Failing to wear your retainer can lead to teeth shifting back to their original positions, undoing the progress made during your orthodontic treatment.
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If you have a removable retainer, then it's important to wear it as often as your dentist recommends you to - not wearing it can lead to your teeth shifting again after you've had braces, and it will also mess up your good routine of keeping on top of cleaning it if you can't remember the last time you wore it!
50. Ignoring Signs Of Bruxism
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can indeed be challenging to identify, especially if it occurs during sleep without someone to observe it. However, there are telltale signs that could indicate bruxism, such as waking up with headaches, a sore jaw, or experiencing discomfort in the facial muscles.
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Bruxism is the name for teeth-grinding, and it can be tricky to pinpoint if you do it in your sleep and have no one to tell you that you do! But telltale signs of bruxism include headaches, sore jaw, worn down/chipped teeth or even changes in face shape over time. If you have any discomfort when you wake up, mention it to your dentist!