10 Mistakes You Make While Cleaning Your Teeth

1. Not brushing long enough

This is a classic offence – we recommend you brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. That’s 2 minutes before you go to bed and at least one other time during the day. The average person brushes their teeth 45 to 70 seconds per day, which equates to only 23 to 35 seconds if done twice daily – less than half the recommended time! For more tips on proper brushing techniques, visit our dental hygiene advice page.

If you struggle to gauge your brushing time with a manual toothbrush, try using the timer on your phone, a clock, or a small hourglass. Many electric toothbrushes “buzz” every 30 seconds, allowing you to divide your mouth into four sections – top to bottom, left to right – and spend 30 seconds on each.

Which leads to…

2. Rinsing your mouth after brushing

A common mantra our hygienists repeat is “Spit, don’t rinse” after brushing (this includes rinsing with water or mouthwash). Rinsing washes away the fluoride and enamel-protecting properties of your toothpaste. Over time, adopting this habit can greatly improve your oral health.

While we’re on the topic of toothpaste, you may be…

3. Using the wrong toothpaste

There isn’t a single “best” toothpaste for everyone, but be sure yours contains fluoride – ideally between 1,350 to 1,500 ppm for adults – as fluoride is key in preventing tooth decay. For more guidance on selecting the right toothpaste, check out our dental advice section.

If you opt for vegan or eco-friendly alternatives, verify that they also contain fluoride.

Brushing, brushing, brushing…

4. Brushing at the wrong time

The first impulse after being ill is to brush away the unpleasant taste. However, the acid from illness or acidic foods (like morning juice) strips away the protective saliva layer, making immediate brushing more abrasive. We recommend waiting about an hour before brushing – you can rinse with water or mouthwash to freshen up in the meantime.

On the flip side, not brushing at all is a common issue. A study by the British Dental Health Foundation found that 28% of people admit to skipping a brushing session in a 24-hour period, and 1 in 7 sometimes go more than two days without brushing. Your night-time clean is especially important for removing the day's buildup of food deposits and bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Learn more about effective brushing routines on our dental hygiene advice page.

5. Brushing too hard

Using excessive force and the wrong technique can wear down your teeth and lead to receding gums. Brushing harder does not equal a cleaner mouth. Many electric toothbrushes even have sensors that alert you when you’re applying too much pressure.

Remember to brush at a slight angle and focus on each tooth individually rather than scrubbing side to side.

6. Using the wrong toothbrush

The debate between manual and electric toothbrushes continues. We’ve observed that cleaning wisdom teeth with a manual brush can be challenging, often leading people to neglect the back of their mouth. An electric toothbrush, however, can more effectively clean these areas with minimal movement.

An electric toothbrush can also alert you if you’re applying too much pressure. Whether you choose electric or manual, opt for soft or medium bristles – hard bristles can damage your teeth and gums. Additionally, a smaller brush head helps you clean one tooth at a time for better results.

We highly recommend using Oral B electric toothbrushes for the best brushing experience.

7. Using an old toothbrush or toothbrush head

Your toothbrush won’t be as effective if the bristles are worn. Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 months – think of it as changing with the seasons if you can’t remember when you started using it.

It’s also important to replace your toothbrush after an illness, as bacteria can linger and lead to re-infection.

Be the boss of your floss…

8. Flossing only the front of your teeth

Some people floss only the teeth they can reach, neglecting the spaces between all their teeth. Flossing isn’t just about dislodging food particles – it removes fine plaque and biofilm between your teeth and gums, which are the culprits behind cavities and gum disease.

For proper flossing techniques, visit our dental hygiene advice page.

9. Not using interdental brushes

Whenever possible, we recommend using an interdental brush along with floss. While floss removes debris between your teeth, an interdental brush cleans the sides that a toothbrush and floss might miss. Learn more about interdental cleaning on our preventative dentistry page.

10. Replacing flossing with brushing or mouthwash

A “floss action” toothbrush head is not a substitute for actual flossing – it won’t reach between teeth like proper floss. Similarly, mouthwash can freshen your breath but won’t remove plaque. For complete oral care, be sure to floss. For more detailed oral hygiene tips, visit our dental hygiene advice page.

Although these are general mistakes, personalised oral hygiene advice varies based on individual factors such as lifestyle, genetics, and current oral health. Regular visits to a dental hygienist will provide you with tailored recommendations to keep your teeth and gums healthy at home.

We hope this has brought you a bit closer to achieving your perfect smile.

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