20 mistakes you’re making every time you brush your teeth

Everybody knows that you’re meant to brush your teeth several times a day to prevent cavities. But have you ever wondered whether you’re doing it correctly? It’s all well and good brushing your teeth on a daily basis, but you need to do it right! Here are 20 mistakes that you may be making every time you brush your teeth.

Brushing teeth right after a meal

Contrary to what your parents might have taught you, you should not brush your teeth right after eating a meal, even if you have a bad taste in your mouth! It’s recommended that you wait about 30 minutes to allow the pH in your mouth to return to normal levels, as some acidic foods can soften your tooth enamel.

Keeping the same toothbrush

Appearances might not be a sufficient basis for knowing when to ditch your old toothbrush and get a new one. In general, you should change toothbrushes every three months. Research has shown that a worn out toothbrush can cause more harm than good to your teeth. After three months, bacteria and food particles can get permanently lodged in the bristles!

Not brushing your tongue

Many of us neglect to brush our tongue when we brush our teeth. Even though your tongue doesn’t need as much brushing as your teeth, a few regular toothbrush strokes are necessary to rid your mouth of bacteria that causes bad breath.

Using toothpaste without fluoride

Adults are advised to brush their teeth daily with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride is known to protect tooth enamel from acid responsible for causing dental cavities.

Brushing too hard

Unlike dirty dishes, brushing your teeth harder doesn’t necessarily get them any cleaner. In fact, it might even have the opposite effect and damage your teeth. This abrasive effect is reduced if you take it slower.

Using a toothbrush that is too hard

A harder toothbrush doesn’t necessarily clean any better than one with softer bristles. Dental associations actually suggest using a soft toothbrush. The risk of damaging your gums, for example, will be lower and you’ll have more flexibility.

Using too much toothpaste

Using an enormous dollop of toothpaste on your toothbrush won’t make brushing your teeth any more effective. In fact, it’s just a waste. Check the packaging for the recommended quantity. If you use too much, you’ll have a false sensation of having better hygiene, which might lead you to neglect certain parts of your mouth.

Brushing too quickly

In the morning, we’re often in too much of a hurry to spend a long time brushing our teeth. However, a good brushing session should last between two and three minutes. In this time, you’ll easily be able to get rid of any food in your mouth and prevent tartar buildup.

Not flossing

Dental floss is a tool that should not be overlooked. According to dental associations, if you don’t use it you’re missing a third of your tooth surface. By using dental floss every day, you’ll prevent tartar from forming.

Scrubbing your teeth

It’s important not to scrub your teeth as if you were washing a potato. You’re recommended to gently rub from top to bottom, using a circular motion.

Only brushing “the most important bit”

When we smile, we only show the front of our teeth. That doesn’t mean, however, that we should neglect teeth that are further back when we’re brushing. Effective tooth brushing should take all teeth into account. This way, you might be able to avoid future, potentially painful visits to the dentist…

Always following the same routine

Lots of us always follow the same routine, maybe starting at the bottom and then finishing on the top. Shake things up a bit! In order not to forget any areas, the American Dental Association advises always starting from a different place when you brush your teeth. That way, each tooth will receive the same amount of attention.

Using the wrong toothbrush

Every mouth is different, and the same toothbrush won’t necessarily be suitable for everyone. Your toothbrush might be too small or too big for you, preventing you from reaching all of your teeth or maybe even damaging them. On your next trip to the dentist, ask for help to choose your next toothbrush.

Not brushing your teeth every day

You should brush your teeth twice a day. If you only brush your teeth once a day, it’s better to do it in the evening, before going to bed.

Over-brushing your teeth

Too much is as bad as not enough. This is as true in the field of dental hygiene as it is anywhere. If you usually brush your teeth more than three times a day, you’re at risk of damaging your enamel and your gums.

Borrowing someone else’s toothbrush

Everyone should have their own toothbrush, and you should never borrow someone else’s. Toothbrushes can harbor different viruses and bacteria. You might, for example, catch the flu virus through borrowing a friend’s toothbrush when they’re sick

Brushing your teeth in the shower

Brushing your teeth in the shower might seem like the perfect plan: you’re saving time and are less likely to dirty the taps or the mirror with flecks of toothpaste. However, by taking your toothbrush with you into the shower, you’ll be concentrating less on what you’re doing. Result: you forget parts of your mouth and your brushing won’t be as effective as if you did it in front of a mirror.

Not watching what you’re doing

It’s important to concentrate when brushing your teeth. Preferably, you should do it in front of your bathroom mirror to make sure that you’re getting to all of your teeth.

Not rinsing your toothbrush and leaving it on its side

After brushing your teeth, you shouldn’t just put your toothbrush down on the counter. Firstly, according to the toothbrush manufacturer GUM, you should rinse your toothbrush to wash away any dirt or toothpaste in its bristles. Then, you shouldn’t leave it lying on its side but rather in an upright position to allow the bristles to dry in between uses.

Never going to the dentist

Even with the best brushing technique in the world, you shouldn’t neglect to visit the dentist. It’s recommended that you have a check-up every six months.