Five Brushing Mistakes That Quietly Harm Your Gums

Most of us learnt to brush as children and never revisited the technique. A few small errors can leave plaque behind or damage the gums. Fixing them is free and takes no extra time.

1. Brushing too hard. Firm scrubbing wears enamel and pushes gums back. Use light pressure and a soft brush.
2. Rushing. Aim for about two minutes, covering every surface of every tooth.
3. Skipping the gum line. Angle the bristles toward the gums and use small circles.
4. Forgetting between the teeth. A toothbrush cannot reach these spaces; clean them daily with floss or interdental brushes.
5. Keeping the brush too long. Replace it when the bristles flare, or about every three months.

Do not forget the tongue

Gently cleaning the tongue can help with fresher breath. Persistent bad breath that does not improve with good cleaning is a reason to see a dentist.

When bleeding gums need a professional

If your gums still bleed after a few weeks of careful brushing and cleaning between teeth, book a check-up. It may mean tartar needs to be removed professionally. Our scaling and gum treatment page explains how teeth cleaning in Greater Noida can help, and what we do when gum disease has advanced.

This article offers general information and does not replace a dental examination.