If you’ve been brushing your teeth for as long as you can remember, chances are you haven’t taken much time to think about your shape, and this oral health habit is almost second nature.
But some common dental myths could sabotage your efforts. Here, oral health experts share the mistakes you might be making when brushing your teeth and what to do instead.
1. Brushing too hard
Brushing too hard can also contribute to gum recession, which exposes the root surface of your teeth and can lead to sensitivity and decay, Eagle says.
Fix it Practice holding your toothbrush with just your thumb and first two fingers, says Anjali Rajpal, DMD, cosmetic dentist and founder of Beverly Hills Dental Arts in Beverly Hills, California. This helps you apply less pressure than if you grip your brush with your whole fist. The plaque is very gentle and all it takes to remove it is a slight movement of the hairs, she says.
Eagle recommends considering an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor, which vibrates to alert you if you press too hard.
2. Not brushing long enough
Fix it Set a timer. “Some electric toothbrushes come with time sensors, so you can make sure you stay in each zone long enough before moving on to the next zone,” says Rajpal. The timer vibrates the brush so you know it’s time to move on to the next section, says Eagle.
“If you’re using a manual toothbrush, you just need to time it yourself,” says Rajpal. Try setting a 30-second timer for each section of your mouth, rather than setting a two-minute timer.
3. Using the wrong toothbrush
4. Keeping a toothbrush too long
Rajpal gives his patients a new toothbrush every few months during their visit. “Every three or four months is a good time to refresh it, because the bristles spread and it’s not as effective as a new brush,” she says.
5. Brushing your teeth too soon after eating
If you drink coffee and then immediately brush your teeth, you are making a common toothbrushing mistake. After eating or drinking something acidic, like coffee, wait at least an hour before brushing your teeth. The acid softens tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to damage from brushing, Eagle says.
The same applies after vomiting. After vomiting, although it may leave an unpleasant taste, it’s safer to rinse your teeth with water or even milk rather than brushing them immediately, Eagle says.
6. Brushing back and forth or up and down
Not using circular motions can also increase the risk of gum recession and enamel erosion, says Eagle.
Fix it Start by holding your toothbrush so that the bristles are at a 45-degree angle to your teeth, says Rajpal. Then use a rolling motion to create small circles along your teeth, near your gum line, which also helps you clean your gums better. “If you go straight, you probably won’t get into the gums very well,” says Rajpal.
7. Forget the gums
Fix it Again, hold your toothbrush so that the bristles are at a 45-degree angle, touching the line where your gums meet your teeth, says Rajpal. This angle helps remove buildup where the teeth meet the gums, Eagle says.
8. Overusing whitening toothpastes
Fix it Whitening toothpastes take longer to work than whitening strips and paintable gels, and they can cause more damage than a whitening rinse. Rather than exclusively using whitening toothpaste, try switching to less abrasive products after a few weeks.
9. Use an electric toothbrush as if it were manual
The heads of electric toothbrushes move in small circles, the recommended motion for brushing your teeth. “It does the work for you,” says Rajpal. This means you don’t need to make circles yourself and you certainly don’t need to brush your teeth hard and fast.
10. Brushing only in the morning
Fix it Try to get into the habit of brushing your teeth twice a day. When you’re short on time, at least brush before bed, says Eagle.
Takeaways
- Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time can help protect your oral health and prevent tooth and gum problems. However, toothbrushing mistakes are common.
- Common dental missteps include brushing your teeth too hard, not using circular motions, and brushing your teeth right after eating.
- Use a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste, following the motion appropriate for your type of toothbrush. And make sure to include your gum while you brush.
- Replace your toothbrush every few months and replace sooner if the bristles appear worn or after an illness.
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