Brushing Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making

It’s great that you’re enthusiastic about your dental health! Here are some tips from the doctor and our team to make sure you are getting the most out of your brushing by avoiding common mistakes.

Choose the right brush

In almost every case, a soft brush provides the right amount of bristle-strength to clean your teeth and gums effectively. Hard bristles can damage sensitive enamel and gum tissue, so treat yourself kindly. Also, choose a brush head that’s the right size for your mouth, since a toothbrush that’s too large can be uncomfortable and unable to reach all the areas you need to brush.

Don’t keep your brush too long

Three months is about the average life of a toothbrush. Over time, bristles become frayed or worn and lose their effectiveness. It’s also a good idea to replace your brush after an illness.

Be gentle

Even with a soft brush, it’s possible to brush so hard that your enamel and gums are affected. Think of yourself as massaging your teeth and gums rather than scrubbing them.

Use proper technique

Using a “sawing” back-and-forth motion is hard on your enamel and misses plaque and debris between the teeth. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, especially at the gumline, to gently remove plaque. Use short strokes or a circular motion to clean as much of the surface and between the teeth as possible. Make sure you cover all the surfaces of your teeth: outside, inside, and chewing. And don’t forget your tongue!

Take your time

Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time is the standard. Most people brush much less; try using the stopwatch on your phone or a two-minute timer to make sure you are spending enough time brushing. On the other hand, if you brush too hard or too often, remember that over-brushing can lead to problems for your gums and enamel.

Your daily routine might be fast and furious, but your dental routine requires a gentle, methodical approach. Ask at your next visit to our Bronx, New York office, and we will be happy to help you design the perfect brushing practices for your busy life.

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Monday:

9:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

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Closed

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What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "I recently relocated to the Bronx so I wasn’t too familiar with the area. Found this dentist on Google and based on the reviews I felt confident they would be a good choice. Dentist Glick and his staff were friendly and attentive. The good news is that I found a new dentist! Thank you."
    Keziah R.
  • "Just started my first tray of Invisalign and I’m very excited! Dr. Glick made the process as painless as possible. Everyone in the office is friendly, attentive, and always helpful. Highly recommend!"
    Melissa D.
  • "They took a ton of time to answer all my questions and walk me through options to address my dental concerns. Great cleaning, thorough exam, and nice staff. Will def return."
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  • "Dr. Glick is extremely efficient, yet he takes time to explain all options and answer all questions. He understands patients' fears and misgivings, and knows how to be consoling without being condescending. I am fortunate that his practice is located in my neighborhood, but I'd certainly travel to consult him."
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  • "The staff was very kind and informative. Dr.Min explained everything and offered several different procedures instead of going directly for my pockets $$. He was very comforting which is important because I'm very nervous when it comes to the Dentist."
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