Proper oral hygiene 101 involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day. However, it's important to understand that there is a right and a wrong way to go about this process. Poor brushing habits can increase your risk for a number of dental concerns, including gum disease and severe decay. Make sure you're brushing the correct way.

Rinsing Your Mouth Right Away

After brushing, some people will immediately rinse their mouths with water. Don't make this mistake. One of the most important components of toothpaste is fluoride, a key ingredient that is designed to protect and strengthen enamel and help fight decay.

When you rinse your mouth with water right away, you also wash away much of the residual fluoride, limiting its effectiveness. It's best to follow brushing with a fluoride containing mouthwash. After the mouthwash, wait the suggested amount of time to drink or eat, to give it time to work.

Overestimating Your Brushing Time

It's common knowledge that you should brush your teeth for at least two minutes. The problem is that most people overestimate the amount of time they are actually brushing. They assume they have brushed for two minutes, but the reality is likely far from the case.

In fact, the average person only brushes somewhere between 45 and 70 seconds, per day. Understand, the two-minute guideline isn't just a catchy number. It is instead considered a sufficient length of time to clean your teeth. Not brushing long enough is almost the same as not brushing at all. Consider investing in a timer to ensure you are brushing long enough.

Brushing Too Hard

When the average person thinks deep cleaning, they think about elbow grease and a rigid scrub pad. Don't apply this same train of thought when brushing your teeth. Avoid hard, aggressive movements and avoid a hard-bristled brush. Brushing in this manner can hurt your gums, increasing the risk of infection, and it doesn't clean your teeth any better. It's better to use gentle motions and use a medium or soft bristled brush. Remember, when you over-brush, you're only wearing away at your teeth's enamel so take it easy.  

Ensure you are brushing your teeth the right way for the best results. You only get one set of teeth so make certain you are taking extra care to protect them. A local dentist can help you ensure you are brushing the right way.