Do you Brush the Wrong Way?

Brushing your teeth should be something you do two or three times per day, so you should be familiar with the process. However, did you know that there are wrong ways to brush? Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS of Los Angeles, CA wants her patients to know some of the harmful ways of brushing so they can avoid these habits and subsequent problems.

The purpose of brushing your teeth is to scrub away the plaque that builds up during the day and night. Plaque is a thin, sticky layer of bacteria that is formed from food, drinks, saliva, and other debris. All that is needed to remove it is a light scrub with soft bristles.

This brings up the first way patients can go wrong when brushing: brushing too hard. Using stiff bristles or excessive force can do more than remove plaque; it can also remove enamel! This will wear down teeth, resulting in more cavities and sensitivity. You could also harm your gums.

Another common way people brush wrong is by brushing too soon. You read it right; you can brush your teeth too soon. While you should brush after meals, you need to wait a short amount of time, first. This is because there is acid in the food and drinks we consume which softens our enamel. You should wait at least thirty minutes after eating or drinking anything but water to brush your teeth. This is to give your enamel time to re-harden so it is not worn down.

Keep these tips in mind when you are brushing morning and night! To schedule your next cleaning and examination with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS, call our Los Angeles, CA office at (310) 657-2200 or visit our website, www.suzannehaeridds.com.