When you do something repetitively for long periods of time, it is easy to let the quality suffer a little bit. This definitely can happen when brushing teeth! Over time, we let bad habits creep into our routine, and our smiles suffer. Here are some bad habits to break from your oral hygiene routine.

Keeping Your Toothbrush for Too Long: Use your toothbrush for a few months, then throw it away. If your toothbrush is older than four months, it’s time to get a new one! If your brush has frayed bristles, looks worn out or has been contaminated in any way, replace it immediately.

Not Brushing Long Enough: On average, people spend about 45 seconds brushing their teeth. The American Dental Association, however, recommends brushing for a full two minutes each session! If you are speeding through your brushing time, try setting a timer or listening to your favorite song.

Brushing Too Hard: If you use harsh pressure to scrub the plaque and food away, you also run the risk of scraping up your tooth enamel and gum tissues. Think “massage” rather than “scour.” This way you remove the plaque and debris without injuring your teeth and gums.

For more information, call High Desert Dental in Boise, Idaho, at 208-350-6795. Drs. Fethke, Kooyman and Pottenger, along with our team, look forward to helping your smile stay radiant!