Raise your hand if you’ve ever wondered — am I really brushing my teeth properly? If you’re like most folks, you probably think you’ve got your oral hygiene routine down. But there might be some common slip-ups you’re making that could affect your smile over time. Let’s talk about whether your current tooth-brushing habits make the grade or if some changes may be in order.

Do You Brush Long Enough?

One big tooth-brushing mistake many people make is not doing it long enough. Your dentist suggests brushing for a full two minutes, not a quick up-and-down. But who actually times themselves? An easy trick is to play your favorite song — about two minutes long — while brushing. If you brush till the end, you’re golden.

Are You Using the Right Technique?

Brush timing is important, but so is technique. Lots of folks scrub back and forth over their teeth. Unfortunately, that’s not the dental-recommended approach. The Bass method is better: Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently move it using short back-and-forth strokes. This lets you clean both teeth and gums thoroughly. And don’t forget to brush all tooth surfaces—fronts, backs, and tops!

Could You Be Brushing Too Hard?

With brushing pressure, scrubbing too intensely can actually damage enamel over time. You want just enough pressure to feel slight friction to remove plaque. Let the bristles do the scrubbing, not extra arm muscle! Your toothbrush bristles should bend slightly as you brush different areas. If you have receding gums, inflammation, or other issues, try switching to an extra-soft toothbrush. In fact, you should never use anything harder than extra soft. At Phillips & Schmitt, DDS, PA we recommend an electric brush versus a manual brush but let us help you find the best tools for you and your mouth.

Brushing properly takes a bit more time and effort than a rushed once-over, but it’s key for preventing cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral health problems. According to the New York Post, tooth color is a person’s primary insecurity when it comes to their teeth. If you follow these tooth-brushing tips, these techniques will help keep your smile sparkling and as white as possible. If you have any questions about brushing your teeth or getting your teeth clean, call Phillips & Schmitt DDS, PA to schedule a dentist appointment.