Toothbrush Mistakes

Choose the Right Tool

Do you have the right toothbrush? Think about the size of your mouth, says Richard H. Price, DMD, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. “If you are straining to open wide enough to let the brush in, the brush is probably too big,” he says. It should feel good in your mouth and hand, so you’ll use it often.

Give It Time

Are you brushing enough? Twice a day is recommended. Three times a day is best. You should brush for at least 2 minutes. Don’t Overdo It Brushing more than three times a day might not be ideal. That’s because too much brushing can wear down tooth enamel and damage your gums.

Perfect Your Technique

Are you brushing correctly? Wide, side-to-side strokes can cause scrapes along your gum line, Sesemann says. Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, and make an up-and-down motion. Use short strokes.

Switch Things Up

Do you always begin brushing in the same place? Dentists say most of us do. Start in a different place so that you don’t get lazy Control Your Sour Tooth Energy drinks, diet sodas, and sour candies — even healthy things like apple juice, orange juice, and coffee — have acid that can soften t o o t h enamel. If you do go for sour goodies, wait half an hour before you brush