Dentist Reveals 4 Common Brushing Mistakes That May Be Damaging Your Teeth

Your smile is one of your best features, yet many of us unknowingly harm it with everyday habits. Brushing your teeth might seem simple, but small mistakes can affect your dental health and dull your smile. From how you hold your toothbrush to how long you spend on each part of your mouth, these little slip-ups can lead to plaque, gum disease, and cavities. In this blog post, we’ll reveal the most common brushing mistakes and show you how to brush better, not harder, to keep your smile healthy and bright!

Dr. Smita Mehra, principal dentist here at The Neem Tree Dental Practices, spoke about what mistakes many of us are making when it comes to brushing our teeth and what we should be doing instead.

Mistake 1: Using Whitening Toothpaste Every Day

Recent statistic highlights the types of toothpaste used in Great Britain in 2023. That year, around 14.7 million people opted for whitening toothpaste, while approximately 16.4 million stuck with regular toothpaste. People are spending billions of dollars every year on at-home whitening products. Many others opt for tooth whitening toothpastes in an attempt to maintain this perfect smile. But are tooth whitening toothpastes a good idea?

Dr Smita says, “While whitening toothpastes are generally safe to use, using them every day or at high levels may have the potential to damage the teeth or irritate the gums without professional advice from dentists. This is because the peroxide content in some whitening gels and toothpastes has the potential to cause ulcers or irritation of the gum tissues if used in high quantities.”

She added: “Not only that, but peroxide levels in some whitening toothpastes can also cause tooth sensitivity, which can be extremely painful. It is therefore important that, if you want to use a whitening toothpaste, you seek professional dental advice before doing so. They will be able to direct you on how often you should be using whitening toothpaste, or they may be able to suggest natural alternatives you can try instead.“

In recent years, charcoal toothpastes have become popular alongside traditional whitening toothpastes, claiming to whiten teeth by lifting surface stains. While activated charcoal can help with surface stains to some extent, but it doesn’t seem to offer many advantages over regular toothpaste. Plus, its rough texture can damage enamel if used daily over a long time.

“While charcoal toothpaste has grown in popularity on social media in the last few years, it doesn’t actually have as many benefits for your teeth as you may believe and, in fact, contains lower levels of fluoride than normal toothpaste, which is essential for preventing tooth decay,” Mehra said.

Mistake 2: Brushing Your Teeth Immediately After Eating

How many of you like to eat your breakfast in bed and then rush to the bathroom to brush your teeth? While it might seem natural to clean your mouth straight after eating, you could actually be causing more harm than good.

“There is a lot of discourse about how soon you should be brushing your teeth after eating,” Mehra said. “Generally, as dentists, we recommend that you wait about an hour before brushing your teeth after eating, especially foods that are particularly acidic. This can include things such as soft drinks or citrus fruits.”

This is because brushing your teeth right after eating these foods can actually damage your enamel. “You are essentially brushing acid in your mouth all over your teeth,” Mehra said. “Allowing time between brushing and consuming foods allows the saliva in your mouth to wash away any acid, giving time for the enamel in your teeth to harden again.”

It’s also important leaving a gap after brushing your teeth before consuming these acidic foods and drinks. “Many brush their teeth as soon as they wake up,” Mehra added. “Again, avoid eating or drinking anything acidic straight after, like lemon tea or eating oranges. Try to leave a gap of about an hour before eating anything acidic.”

Mistake 3: Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

Mehra said that many “assume that by applying more pressure to the teeth, you are getting rid of more bacteria in the mouth, but actually brushing too hard can contribute to worn enamel and gum recession, which may contribute to sensitivity and gum disease in the long run.”

Mehra added: “As dentists, too often we see people coming in with damaged teeth or gums as a result of brushing the teeth too hard.”

So, how should we be brushing?

“The best way to brush your teeth to guarantee maximum cleaning and little damage is to brush gently but thoroughly, using a soft brush,” Mehra said. “An electric toothbrush is strongly recommended, as the smaller head allows it into those hard-to-reach areas, and you can be gentler.”

Pressure isn’t the only thing you need to consider when brushing your teeth.

“Many people think you should brush your teeth in an up-and-down motion or in circles,” Mehra said. “However, the most effective action is to have the brush at 45 degrees to the gum and then use a sweeping action across all the teeth in the jaw. This ensures the gum-to-tooth interface is cleaned without excessive pressure on the gums.”

Mistake 4: Skipping Your Bedtime Brush

Although official guidelines suggest brushing your teeth twice a day, many of us think the morning brush is the most important. However, while morning breath can be unpleasant, brushing your teeth before bed is actually even more crucial.

“When we ask patients the question of the most important time to brush, in the morning or night, they always seem to say morning,” Mehra said. “In fact, the answer should be night.”

She added: “Never forget to brush before bedtime. That is the time when all of your dinner is festering in your mouth and bacteria are having a field day. In addition, while you sleep, the washing action of your mouth i.e., your saliva also reduces, and therefore not much cleaning happens naturally. You’ve been warned!”

Taking Control of Your Oral Health

Taking charge of your oral health isn’t just a routine, it’s a promise to yourself and your well-being. By recognising and avoiding common brushing mistakes, you can keep your smile bright and prevent future dental problems. Remember, it’s not just about how often you brush, but also how you do it and what tools you use.

As you think about the tips mentioned in this post, take a moment to reflect on your current oral care habits. Are you using the right toothbrush? Are you brushing with the right amount of pressure? Are you giving your teeth the care they need? Even small changes can make a big difference to your dental health.

Don’t forget to schedule regular dental check-ups, too. They are a key part of your oral care routine and help catch any problems early. By being proactive about your dental hygiene, you not only improve the health of your teeth and gums but also boost your confidence.

So, let today be the start of a new chapter in your oral health journey. Take the time to brush properly, choose the right dental care products, and stay aware of your habits. After all, a healthy smile is a beautiful smile, and it’s yours to take care of.

Additional Resources for Maintaining a Bright Smile

Keeping your smile bright goes beyond just brushing twice a day. To really shine, it’s important to add some extra tools and tips to your dental care routine. Here are some helpful suggestions:

1. Flossing Tools: While traditional dental floss works well, you might find floss picks or water flossers easier and more fun to use. These tools help remove food bits and plaque from between your teeth, where toothbrushes can struggle.

2. Mouthwash: Adding an antibacterial mouthwash to your routine can give you extra protection. Choose one that contains fluoride to help strengthen your enamel, fight cavities, and freshen your breath.

3. Whitening Toothpaste: If you want to brighten your smile, think about using a whitening toothpaste. These usually have mild abrasives or special ingredients that can help remove surface stains over time, making your teeth look brighter. But remember that if you use it for long periods, it may damage enamel and irritate your gums and teeth. Do not use whitening toothpaste more often than the label indicates, for example, once or twice daily for six weeks, or as your dentist advises.

4. Regular Dental Check-Ups: No dental care routine is complete without visiting your dentist regularly. Aim for check-ups every six months to spot any problems early and get professional cleanings. Your dentist can also give you tailored advice based on your oral health.

5. Educational Resources: Use online resources like dental health blogs, videos, or apps that teach you proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as the latest in dental care. Staying informed helps you make the best choices for your smile.

6. Nutritional Guidance: What you eat plays a big role in your oral health. Foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus can help strengthen your teeth, while crunchy fruits and veggies can clean your teeth naturally. You might want to speak with a nutritionist for personalised advice that supports your dental health.

By adding these extra tools and tips to your dental routine, you can keep your smile bright and healthy for years to come. Remember, a little extra effort can go a long way in achieving and maintaining that beautiful smile.

In conclusion, keeping your smile bright begins with recognising and fixing common brushing mistakes that many of us make without realising. By following the tips in this post you can improve your oral hygiene routine and protect your dental health. Remember, a confident smile not only makes you look better but also boosts your self-esteem and overall well-being. So, take a moment to think about your brushing habits and make any changes you need today.