7 Common Mistakes People Make When Cleaning Their Teeth

Keeping your teeth clean will help make sure you keep them in good condition, and help you to avoid dental health problems. However, just brushing your teeth isn’t going to clean them completely and get rid of all the plaque build up. We’re going to outline some of the most common oral hygiene mistakes which should make you realise where you are going wrong. Your dentists North Wales can advise you further if you have any remaining questions. 

7 Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes:

1. Not brushing your teeth for long enough.

This is one of the most common mistakes. You must brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, and twice a day. The average person only brushes their teeth for 45 to 70 seconds per day, which is 23 to 35 second each time if they’re brushing twice a day. Under half the time that is recommended.

2. Rinsing your mouth after brushing your teeth. 

You shouldn’t rinse your mouth after brushing, this washes away all the useful fluoride that is protecting your teeth. Try to learn to only spit it out and keep the toothpaste residue in your mouth for as long as possible is the best idea.

3. Using the wrong toothpaste. 

There are so many options of toothpaste to choose from, but the most important factor is that it contains fluoride. Lots of Vegan and ‘healthy’ toothpastes miss out this ingredient, but it's crucial in protecting your teeth.

4. Brushing at the wrong time. 

When you have been sick, the first thing you’d want to do is brush your teeth, but you must resist! The acids from this, and eating and drinking acidic food, will wear away at your enamel if you brush straight away. Aim to brush your teeth at least half an hour after eating. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash is fine until then.

5. Brushing your teeth too hard. 

Brushing your teeth too hard can cause wear on your teeth and even lead to receding gums. Hold your brush on an angle rather than straight on the tooth, and take it tooth by tooth around your mouth, cleaning firm but not over doing it.

6. Using the wrong toothbrush. 

Electric or manual, the main point here is that you must look after your bristles. If they are tired and worn, they need replacing immediately. These bristles can’t work properly if they’re bent all over the place.

7. Flossing incorrectly. 

Most people only floss the teeth they can see at the front instead of reaching to get between them all. Flossing isn’t just for removing the chunks of food you can see between your teeth, but about removing the fine plaque build up between your teeth that can lead to cavities.