Your smile is one of your best features, yet many of us unknowingly damage it with everyday habits. Brushing your teeth may seem simple, but small mistakes can affect your dental health and dull your smile. From how you hold your toothbrush to the time you spend on each part of your mouth, these small oversights can lead to plaque, gum disease and cavities. In this article, we’ll reveal the most common brushing mistakes and show you how to brush better, not harder, to keep your smile healthy and bright.
Mistake 1: Using whitening toothpaste every day
Several studies reveal that although whitening pastes are generally safe, using them every day or in large amounts could damage teeth or irritate gums without a dentist’s supervision. This is because the peroxide content in some whitening gels and pastes can cause damage and irritation to gum tissues if used in high amounts.
In addition, the levels of peroxide in some whitening pastes can also cause tooth sensitivity, which can be very painful. Therefore, if you decide to use whitening pastes, it is important to seek professional dental advice before doing so. They may be able to guide you on how often to use these pastes or suggest natural alternatives.
In recent years, activated charcoal toothpastes have become popular alongside traditional whitening toothpastes, claiming to remove surface stains. Although activated charcoal can help remove surface stains to some extent, it does not seem to offer many advantages over regular toothpaste. In addition, its abrasive texture can damage enamel if used daily for a prolonged period of time.
While charcoal paste has become popular on social media in recent years, it really doesn’t have as many benefits for your teeth as you might think and, in fact, contains lower levels of fluoride than regular pastes, which is essential for preventing tooth decay.
Mistake 2: Brushing teeth immediately after eating
How many of you enjoy breakfast in bed and then run to the bathroom to brush your teeth? While it may seem natural to clean your mouth right after eating, you could actually be doing more harm than good.
There are many debates about how long you should wait to brush your teeth after eating; generally, as dentists, we recommend waiting about an hour before brushing, especially after consuming particularly acidic foods such as fruits, soft drinks or sauces.
This is because the acids you leave behind after consuming these foods can damage the enamel. Basically, you are spreading acid on the enamel. Leaving this space between eating and brushing allows saliva to wash away the acid and give the enamel time to harden again.
It is also important to choose a space after brushing before consuming acidic foods and drinks. Many people brush their teeth as soon as they wake up, then drink coffee or something acidic right afterward, such as lemon tea or oranges. Try to leave a gap of about an hour before consuming acidic foods.
Mistake 3: Brushing teeth too hard
Many assume that applying more pressure removes more bacteria, but in reality, brushing too hard can wear away enamel and cause gums to recede, which can contribute to sensitivity and long-term gum disease.
We often see people with damaged teeth or gums as a result of brushing too hard.
So, how should we brush?
The best way to brush to ensure optimal cleaning and avoid damage is to brush gently but thoroughly, using a soft brush. The electric toothbrush is recommended, as its smaller head allows it to reach difficult areas and it can be gentler.
Pressure is not the only aspect to consider when brushing your teeth.
Many people think they should brush in an up-and-down or circular motion, however, the most effective action is to place the brush at 45 degrees to the gums and use a sweeping motion along the teeth. This ensures proper cleaning without generating too much pressure on the gums.
Mistake 4: Skipping nighttime brushing
Although official guidelines suggest brushing twice a day, many think that morning brushing is the most important. However, nighttime brushing can be just as indispensable, because before bedtime it is even more crucial.
When regurgitation comes to the patients which is the most important time to brush, in the morning or in the evening, they usually answer that, in the evening. The answer should be at night.
Never forget to brush before going to sleep. That is the time when the remains of dinner stay in your mouth and bacteria are in full feast. Also, if you are wearing retainers, the cleaning action of saliva in your mouth is essential, so no natural cleaning occurs while you sleep.
In conclusion, keeping your smile bright starts with recognizing and correcting common brushing mistakes that many of us make without realizing it. By following the tips in this article, you can improve your oral hygiene routine and protect your teeth. Remember that brushing more carefully not only makes you look better, but also increases your self-esteem and well-being. So, take a moment to reflect on your brushing habits and make the changes you need to make today.
