7 Mistakes People Make When Brushing Their Teeth

25 / 05 / 2023

7 Mistakes People Make When Brushing Their Teeth

• Not brushing for long enough, you should be brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Try listening to a song and make the toothbrushing last until the end.
  
• Ensure you brush the inner surfaces of the teeth as these are often missed and not thought about. You can try swapping hands for each side to get the correct angle to sweep away the plaque.
• Don’t rinse after brushing, we all want that clean fresh feeling after brushing our teeth by rinsing away the excess toothpaste either with mouth wash or water, but actually it is important we don’t so that the teeth absorb the fluoride and this takes up to 20 minutes. This is especially true if you are using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, as by rinsing your mouth after brushing, you rinse away the active “de-sensitising” agent – then wonder why the toothpaste isn’t working! Try using mouthwash at a different time of day if you want to “freshen up”.
• Using a toothbrush that is too old, we recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months or if it is looking worn then sooner.
  
• Brush before breakfast and not directly after a meal, many of us think it is a good idea to brush our teeth straight after we’ve eaten for that fresh breath feeling, well this certainly needs to stop especially if you’ve just eaten/drank something acidic as it can remove/effect the enamel on your teeth. It is advised to wait at least 30mins-1 hour before brushing after a meal.
• Try starting in a different area each time you brush, if you tend to get tired by the time your brushing comes to an end some areas may become neglected.
• Poor technique, we are all guilty for blobbing some toothpaste on the brush and having a quick scub, and sometimes overbrushing. Its time to change, grab yourself an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor so there is no chance of this happening. Visit your hygienist if you’re unsure of brushing technique.