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A dentist has revealed the top mistakes people make when brushing their teeth and warns why these everyday mistakes could be dangerous for oral health.
Dr Zaeem Jafri, dental expert at British oral care company Ordo, has shared six of the most common mistakes made during our dental routine, including using a toothbrush in the shower and brushing our teeth “incorrectly.” “.
While many of us believe we are adopting healthy habits like using “whitening” products when brushing our teeth, Dr. Zaeem says that incorrect and “overly complicated” practices could be detrimental to our oral health and, eventually, cause cavities and gum loss.
To save us from our mistakes, the specialist has shared the best way to improve our oral routine and ensure good dental health in general.
He said: ‘The way you brush your teeth is extremely important and if not done correctly it can have a negative impact on your oral health.
Dental expert Dr Zaeem Jafri has revealed six dental habits that could prove costly to your oral health (File Image)
“Not only can you damage your gums and teeth if you brush too hard, but not brushing properly can cause a buildup of plaque, leading to tooth discoloration, cavities, and in severe cases, even tooth loss. “.
Here, Dr. Zaeem lays out the dos and don’ts for optimal dental health.
1. Let your electric toothbrush do the work
Dr. Zaeem says many people like to use their sonic or electric toothbrush as they would a manual one.
While a manual toothbrush requires sustained and vigorous effort, the expert claims that electric toothbrushes are the complete opposite. He adds that not learning the difference between the two could be detrimental.
“Electric toothbrushes are there to do the work for you, so using them like a manual toothbrush and brushing too hard will damage your gums,” Dr. Zaeem said.
‘It can also cause gum recession, leading to tooth loss. When using a sonic toothbrush you should place it on each tooth, at a 45 degree angle, hold it for three to five seconds and move on to the next.’
2. Don’t brush your teeth in the shower
Sometimes the morning is a hectic blur of a hot shower and breakfast, before rushing out the door to begin your daily commute.
While logic may imply that brushing your teeth in the shower is the best way to save time and stress, Dr. Zaeem explains why it’s the worst thing you can do.
According to our expert, not using mouth freshener at the right time could undo the hard work of toothpaste in one gulp (File Image)
He said: It is not a good idea to brush your teeth in the shower as the humidity in the shower can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.
“This means that your perfectly clean toothbrush is now exposed to bacteria and therefore so is your mouth. The heat from the shower can also damage toothbrush bristles!’
Do your gums and teeth a favor by brushing before or after showering or bathing.
3. Don’t rush the mouthwash
While a manual toothbrush requires sustained, vigorous effort, Dr. Zaeem says electric toothbrushes “are there to do the work for you” (File Image)
Rumors abound about the best time to use mouthwash, from immediately after brushing your teeth to just before bed.
But according to our expert, not using your mouth freshener at the right time could undo your toothpaste’s hard work in one gulp.
He added: “When brushing your teeth, it is important that you spit out excess toothpaste after brushing.” It is even more important that you wait a while before rinsing with water or mouthwash.
“Doing so will remove the concentrated fluoride from the remaining toothpaste, diluting it, and reducing its full effects.”
For those who regularly use mouthwashes, he advises them to wait ‘a little while’ after brushing or choose a completely different time.
Additionally, he said the best time to use it is immediately after eating, to freshen breath and eliminate acidic foods.
4. Remember to floss
We’ve all heard about cavities and plaque, and how lack of brushing can damage teeth and gums; But did you know that not flossing has the same effect?
According to Dr. Zaeem, flossing removes plaque between your teeth and under your gums, in places your toothbrush can’t reach.
However, if you never floss, it could cause serious problems, including cavities, which lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
“You should floss between your teeth at least once a day, preferably at night, before brushing your teeth,” he added.
“Using a dental irrigator is an easy and effective way to include flossing in your regular routine, while still being gentle on your gums.”
5. Refresh your toothbrush heads
Dr. Zaeem says that the longer the toothbrush head is used, the less effective it becomes at cleaning your teeth.
And that’s not all: ‘(it makes the toothbrush) more susceptible to contamination and potentially harmful to teeth and gums.’
‘We always recommend changing the head of your sonic or manual toothbrush every two to three months. This way, you can be sure that your toothbrush is working at its best.’
6. Keep it simple
From TikTok to supermarket shelves, many places claim to know the best oral products for your teeth, making it easy to get lost in the whirlwind.
But according to the doctor, the numerous toothpastes available on the market will only serve to “overcomplicate” your oral routine.
Whether purple toothpaste, charcoal toothpaste or extra white toothpaste, “all you need is a simple, complete toothpaste that strengthens enamel, protects gums, removes plaque and restores natural whiteness” said Dr. Zaeem.
He also instructed us to brush our teeth “two minutes” at a time and “twice a day.”
