Oral Health Is at Risk... 5 Common Mistakes While Brushing Your Teeth

                                                                                     Common Mistakes While Brushing Your Teeth

Oral Health Is at Risk... 5 Common Mistakes While Brushing Your Teeth

Many people think they brush their teeth well, but a Canadian dentist has revealed that some daily practices can erode enamel, damage gums, and cause bad breath. The New York Post quoted renowned Canadian dentist Arash Ravanbakhsh as saying that some of the daily mistakes we all make without realizing it include:

Brushing Immediately After Breakfast

Ravanbakhsh warns against brushing your teeth immediately after breakfast, as acidic foods like coffee or orange juice weaken the sensitive enamel layer. Brushing your teeth immediately after breakfast is like rubbing a knife on a glass surface. The ideal solution is to brush your teeth immediately after waking up (before breakfast) to stimulate saliva production and remove bacteria that accumulate during the night. If you want to brush after eating, wait about 20 to 30 minutes and use mouthwash as a temporary solution.

Rinsing with water after brushing

Some people tend to swish their mouths with water immediately after applying toothpaste, but this reduces the effectiveness of the fluoride that protects against cavities. Therefore, you can simply spit out the excess toothpaste without rinsing. If you prefer to rinse, let the fluoride work for at least 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse.

Applying Too Much Pressure

Some people believe that brushing too hard means a deeper clean, but this practice is actually damaging to teeth. Brushing too hard is like using a wire brush on a soft wooden surface. The best approach is to use a soft or electric toothbrush with gentle strokes, holding the brush with only three fingers (rather than a full fist) to avoid excessive pressure.

Relying on a Brush Alone

Some people think that brushing alone is enough, but the truth is that 40 percent of tooth surfaces remain unclean without flossing. Ravanbakhsh recommends flossing before brushing, followed by a mouthwash to ensure a thorough clean.

The Wrong Way to Brush

Ravanbakhsh recommends focusing on each tooth individually, using circular or vertical motions, rather than sweeping motions, and tilting the brush at a 45-degree angle to reach tight areas. Don't forget to clean your tongue, which is where most of the odor-causing bacteria hides. For optimal cleaning, Ravanbakhsh reveals a clever trick: soak your toothbrush in an antiseptic mouthwash for 5 minutes before use to completely sterilize it.