Your Reliable Poway Dentist Asks: Are You Brushing Your Teeth Right?

Dr. Roger Tran • Mar 29, 2015

From kids to adults, everyone knows the importance of brushing their teeth. Ask anyone, and they’ll answer almost immediately that tooth brushing keeps tooth decay and bad breath away. Then again, are you sure that the way you’re brushing your teeth protects them instead of making them more vulnerable to decay and other dental problems? Fortunately, your reliable Poway dentist knows the common mistakes most people make when brushing their teeth, and there are simple ways to avoid doing them in the future.

Not Brushing Long Enough

Now is probably the best time to buy an electronic toothbrush that comes with a timer. Apparently, a lot of people aren’t brushing for at least two or three minutes, as recommended by dentists. Maybe you’re rushing into brushing your teeth because you’re late for work, or you can’t wait to go to bed, yet this should not be the case. Your teeth need thorough cleaning, and brushing them for two minutes should do the trick. Aside from a timer-equipped toothbrush, you can also try bringing an egg timer with you and set it for two or three minutes.

Brushing Too Hard

Yes, your teeth may be one of the hardest substances in your body, but that doesn’t mean you could be rough when you clean them. Brushing your teeth too hard not only damages them, but also erodes your gums, not to mention it might also lead to irritation for sensitive gums. You’ll know whether you’re brushing your teeth way too hard if you notice that the bristles bend on your teeth. Instead of brushing your teeth like you’re scrubbing the floor, do gentle, circular strokes, as you would clean a priceless antique china.

Wrong Brush

Is your toothbrush too small or too big for your mouth? Are its bristles too hard for your liking? It’s time to ditch oversized toothbrushes and opt for ones with softer bristles to lessen the damage on teeth, as recommended by the American Dental Association. Keep in mind, though, to use them properly, for even toothbrushes with the softest bristles can cause abrasions if not used as directed. Replacing your toothbrush is also recommended once it’s been used for at least three months, or if the bristles are frayed, bent, or worn, since it could end up bringing back bacteria into your mouth.


Brushing your teeth is just one of the many ways you could take good care of your dental health, along with frequent visits to your dentist in Poway from established practices like A+ Family Dentistry.


(Source: 8 Mistakes You’re Probably Making When You Brush Your Teeth, Huffington Post)

DR. JUSTINE DOAN, DDS

General and Restorative Dentist

Dr. Justine Doan has considerable postgraduate training including a fellowship program and a year-long surgical externship in implantology. She was elected as one of the 40 Top Dentists Under 40 in the U.S. for 2015 by Incisal Edge magazine. Dr. Justene is a highly trained general dentist and focuses on dental implants and restorative cases.

DR. Janice DOAN, DDS

General and Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Janice Doan practices general and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Janice received her Doctor of Dental Science degree from the University of Southern California. Since graduating, she has completed a number of continuing education programs in a variety of subjects. Dr. Janice was named a Top 40 Under 40 dentist by Incisal Edge magazine in 2015.

DR. Roger Tran, DDS

General, COsmetic & Restorative Dentist

Dr. Roger Tran practices general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. He graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California. Since graduating, he has received advanced training in many areas of dentistry. He has also volunteered through the Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center.

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