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Everyone learns how to brush their teeth at a young age, but did you know there are actually right and wrong ways to brush? To make sure both you and your kids have healthy and clean smiles, the pediatric dentists at Pedodontic Associates on Oahu and Maui have compiled a list of brushing habits to avoid.

Make sure you stop doing all of these actions immediately:

  • Putting Your Toothbrush Directly On Your Bathroom Counter: Although it’s not pleasant to think about, the surfaces in the bathroom are usually teeming with germs and bacteria or residue from the cleaning chemicals you used to get rid of them. To prevent any of these from going directly into your mouth, use a cup as a toothbrush holder and get a cover for the brush’s bristles so they aren’t exposed to the air.
  • pediatric dentistRinsing Your Teeth After You Brush: While the taste of toothpaste isn’t always pleasant, rinsing your mouth with water after you brush actually gets rid of the fluoride that needs to be left on your teeth to work effectively. Rather than rinsing, simply spit the toothpaste out after you brush or use mouthwash instead.
  • Brushing Your Teeth With Your Mouth Open: Pediatric dentists often teach children this habit so they can check on their cleaning technique while they brush. However, if this action persists into the teenage years and adulthood, when your grip and movements are much stronger, you could actually end up damaging your gums and taking the enamel off your teeth. The next time you brush, keep your mouth closed so your teeth will stay strong.

For the best pediatric dentists on Oahu and Maui, contact Pedodontic Associates. They offer a wide range of dental care services and will make sure your little one has a healthy smile for life. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of their three pediatric dentistry practices, call (808) 487-7933 for the Aiea location, (808) 735-1733 for the Honolulu office, or (808) 877-0066 for the Kahului location. You can also visit their website to learn more.

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