How can I tell if i’m brushing properly?

If you want to avoid dental problems, you need to brush your teeth properly. Frequent brushing doesn't always mean giving your teeth a good clean. Here are factors you can check to know if you're brushing your teeth well.

You don’t see plaque. If you don't spot soft, yellow film on your tooth surfaces, that can be a sign you're brushing properly. Plaque is filled with bacteria. If it lingers and hardens, it turns into tartar. You can remove plaque by brushing and flossing but tartar needs to be scraped out at the dental office.

There's no bleeding. Many think that if you brush often, it can lead to your teeth and gums bleeding. But that may be the opposite of the actual cause. Swollen, tender, and bleeding gums are a common gum disease symptom. Gum disease is triggered by tartar build up along the gum line. Tartar causes infection or irritation. You can prevent this with proper brushing and flossing.

Your breath doesn't smell. One point or another, we all experience bad breath. But if it doesn't go away, it may be telling you something else. Bad breath can be due to gum disease, tooth decay, or bacteria build-up on your tongue. Although it feels embarrassing to discuss this issue, you don't have to keep it to yourself. Discuss it with your dental team. Bad breath is common and dentists can help you beat it.

Your teeth feel strong. If you feel your teeth getting weak, that can be due to poor dental hygiene habits. Teeth stay in place because of the gums. if you don't clean your teeth properly, your gums may recede and eventually lead to tooth loss. Not brushing well can also cause tooth decay and cavities. Cavities may cause pain whenever food debris gets stuck in them.

You don't experience sensitivity. While there are various reasons why your teeth may feel sensitive, not feeling any painful sensation when you eat or drink can mean you're brushing your teeth well. Brushing too hard can cause the enamel to erode and eventually expose the nerve of the tooth.

Don't feel embarrassed to talk to your dental team about your brushing habits. Apart from teaching your proper brushing techniques, dental professionals can also recommend brushing tools appropriate for your specific needs.