Why Are My Teeth So Bad Even though I Brush?
Surveys have shown that about 70% of Americans brush their teeth twice a day, just like the American Dental Association recommends. However, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has found that nearly 90% of adults aged 20-64 have tooth decay.
As long as you brush your teeth, you might think you’re practicing better oral hygiene than most. But you may still find yourself dealing with bad teeth.
Just because you’re brushing your teeth regularly doesn’t mean you’re doing enough to stop tooth decay and cavities. Neither does it mean you’re doing enough to steer clear of gum disease and other dental care issues.
Find out why your teeth don’t feel clean after brushing and begin putting together a new whole-mouth cleaning routine.
Reasons Brushing Your Teeth Isn’t Preventing Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
There isn’t always a simple answer to “Why are my teeth so bad even though I brush?” You’ll need to analyze your routine cleaning to prevent bad teeth. Here are the top reasons you might not see the desired results.
You Aren’t Brushing Your Teeth Often Enough or Long Enough
Do you brush your teeth twice every day? Do you brush them for at least two minutes?
If you answered “no” to either of these questions, it could explain why you’re encountering bad teeth and other oral hygiene issues. The American Dental Association has created a series of guidelines for brushing teeth, and brushing them twice a day for two minutes is recommended.
You Aren’t Using the Right Tooth Brushing Techniques
The ADA recommends that parents begin brushing their children’s teeth as soon as they start coming in. Many infants suffer from a dental health condition called baby bottle tooth decay. Parents can prevent this decay by brushing their kids’ teeth.
The ADA also suggests parents spend time teaching their kids how to brush their baby teeth and supervise them while they brush from ages three through six. This enables many children to learn the proper tooth-brushing techniques before getting permanent teeth.
Unfortunately, not all parents teach their kids how oral hygiene plays a significant role in their body functions and overall health. If you weren’t taught how to brush your teeth, you might use techniques that aren’t effective.
This is how the ADA says to brush teeth:
- Apply a pea-sized amount of ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste to a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Hold a toothbrush at a 45-degree angle near the gumline.
- Gently move a toothbrush back and forth across the surface of the teeth while using small, short strokes.
- Repeat this process the same way on the front and back of teeth.
- Rinse out the mouth when finished brushing the teeth.
Another important thing to remember is that you shouldn’t brush your teeth too hard. Doing so could result in permanent damage to tooth enamel, enamel erosion, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, and other dental hygiene issues.
You Aren’t Flossing Enough
Flossing at least once each day is every bit as important as brushing your teeth. Yet, studies show only about 40% of Americans floss daily.
If you only floss sporadically or, worse, if you don’t ever floss, it’s likely why you’re asking, “Why do I have such bad teeth?” Flossing removes the buildup between your teeth more effectively than brushing, especially if you have crooked teeth.
When you first incorporate flossing into your daily routine, your gums may bleed. This might initially seem like an inherently bad sign. However, it can indicate that your body is sending blood to your mouth to eliminate common bacteria that can cause bad breath, infections, and other oral health issues.
You Aren’t Using the Right Dental Health Products
Maintaining a healthy mouth will require you to invest in good dental health products. These include:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Regular dental floss and floss picks
- Mouth wash
- Teeth whitening products
Look at their packaging for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal indicates that the ADA has found these products effective for preventing decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions. Even those with the seal, like whitening products, must be used sparingly to avoid damaging your teeth.
You Aren’t Scheduling Routine Tooth Cleaning Appointments
Even the best ADA-approved toothbrushes, floss, and mouth wash won’t get your mouth 100% clean. You’ll still find buildup will appear on your bad teeth before long if you don’t schedule preventative tooth cleaning appointments with your dentist to keep teeth healthy through special fluoride treatments. Don’t just visit your dentist when your teeth hurt, at which point harmful bacteria have already done their damage.
Arrange for these appointments every six months to ensure early detection. A dental hygienist will clean every nook and cranny in your mouth before your dentist comes in for an evaluation to pinpoint any bad teeth. They can provide valuable insights into what you’re doing wrong when brushing your teeth, causing you to wonder, “Why don’t my teeth feel clean after brushing?”
You Aren’t Staying Away From Things That Can Damage Teeth and Gums
How’s your diet? You might experience bad teeth if you don’t eat a well-balanced diet and choose to chow down on sugary and acidic foods instead. They can wreak havoc on your oral health, leading to decay, gum disease, and other dental issues like cavities.
You should also abstain from tobacco products and various substances containing other compounds. They can cause everything from ongoing decay and gum recession to tooth loss across multiple teeth and possibly even serious oral conditions like mouth cancer. Sugar-free gum can help with these dental problems.
Want Healthy Teeth? Make an Appointment With a Dentist From Our Practice
Brushing your teeth is only one part of the equation when it comes to maintaining them. You also need to floss, avoid foods that cause certain dental issues, and make regular dental visits for healthy teeth and a clean mouth.
If you’re wondering, “Why are my teeth so bad even though I brush?” let the dentists from Dr. Dalesandro & Associates explain how you can play an integral role in keeping your mouth clean. Contact us to schedule an appointment.