Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Steven A. Ghareeb, DDS, FAGD, offers
advice on how to keep your smile healthy and pretty by avoiding these five bad
oral health habits.
1. Not flossing
Brushing your teeth twice a day is important, but many patients don't realize
that flossing at least once a day is just as critical to achieving and
maintaining a healthy smile. Flossing removes the cavity-causing bacteria left
behind from food particles that get stuck between teeth. "Although bleeding and
irritation sometimes can occur when you first start flossing, it's important to
keep at it," says Dr. Ghareeb. "Your gums will toughen up and your oral health
will be better for it."
2. Brushing too soon after eating
Consuming acidic foods and beverages, such as sports and energy drinks, citrus
fruits, wine, and tomatoes, can erode tooth enamel the glossy outer layer of
the tooth. Brushing your teeth too soon after eating and drinking these items
can cause more damage because you are essentially brushing the acid into the
teeth, not getting rid of it. Instead, you should rinse your mouth with water
after consuming acidic foods and beverages and wait at least 30 minutes before
brushing your pearly whites!
3. Not replacing your toothbrush often enough
Not only are old toothbrushes ineffective, but they also harbor harmful
bacteria that can cause infections. Toothbrushes should be changed every three
to four months. "It's also important to change your toothbrush after you've had
a cold," says Dr. Ghareeb.
4. Excessively bleaching your teeth
Overzealous bleaching can cause your teeth to look unnaturally white and
increase tooth sensitivity. Before using an at-home bleaching product, talk to
your dentist. "He or she can advise you on proper use of these products as well
as which type of bleaching system will provide you with the best results," says
Dr. Ghareeb.
5. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
A hard-bristled toothbrush coupled with an aggressive brushing technique can
cause irreversible damage to your gums. Use a soft toothbrush and gently brush
your teeth at a 45-degree angle, in a circular motion. Using a back-and-forth,
sawing motion causes the gums to recede, and can expose the root of the tooth,
making teeth extremely sensitive.
What is the Best Technique for Brushing?
There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients are advised to
check with their dentist or hygienist to determine which technique is best for
them, since tooth position and gum condition vary. One effective,
easy-to-remember technique involves using a circular or elliptical motion to
brush a couple of teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth.
Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush
teeth in an elliptical motion. Brush the outside of the teeth, inside the
teeth, your tongue, the chewing surfaces and between teeth. Using a
back-and-forth motion causes the gum surface to recede, can expose the root
surface or make the root surface tender. You also risk wearing down the gum
line.
Soft or hard bristles?
In general, a toothbrush head should be small (1" by 1/2") for easy access. It
should have a long, wide handle for a firm grasp and soft, nylon bristles with
round ends. Some brushes are too abrasive and can wear down teeth. A soft,
rounded, multi-tufted brush can clean teeth effectively. Press just firmly
enough to reach the spaces between the teeth as well as the surface. Medium and
hard bristles are not recommended.
How long should I brush?
It might be a good idea to brush with the radio on, since dentists generally
recommend brushing three to four minutes, the average length of a song. Using
an egg timer is another way to measure your brushing time. Patients generally
think they're brushing longer, but most spend less than a minute brushing.
To make sure you're doing a thorough job and not missing any spots, patients
are advised to brush the full three to four minutes twice a day, instead of
brushing quickly five or more times through the day.
Should I brush at work?
Definitely, but most Americans don't brush during the workday. Yet a survey by
Oral-B Laboratories and the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) shows if you
keep a toothbrush at work, the chances you will brush during the day increase
by 65 percent.
Getting the debris off teeth right away stops sugary snacks from turning to
damaging acids and catches starchy foods like potato chips before they turn to
cavity-causing sugar. If you brush with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and
before going to bed, you don't even need to use toothpaste at work. You can
just brush and rinse before heading back to your desk. If you don't have a
toothbrush, rinsing your mouth with water for 30 seconds after lunch also
helps.
Tips to improve your office brushing habits:
Post a sticky note on your desk or computer as a reminder to brush teeth after
lunch.
Brush teeth right after lunch, before you become absorbed in work.
Store your toothbrush and toothpaste at work in a convenient and handy place.
Make brushing your teeth part of your freshening-up routine at work.
When brushing at the office or away from home, it's important to make an extra
effort to keep your toothbrush germ-free.
Tips on how to properly store and care for your toothbrush at work:
Always store your toothbrush in a travel container.
Dry your toothbrush after use and before returning to its container.
Change the toothbrush you take to work more often than your toothbrush at home
to avoid bacteria build-up.