Brushing your teeth

IT’S been instilled in us since day dot: brushing your teeth twice a day will help keep the dentist away. But it’s easy to go overboard on the brushing. To brighten your smile, experts share some of the common oral health mistakes you might be making – and how to fix them...

1. NOT CLEANING IN BETWEEN TEETH

“Brushing only cleans three out of the five tooth surfaces,” says Anna Middleton, founder of London Hygienist (londonhygienist. com). If you have the space between your teeth, Middleton says to opt for interdental brushes, and always use the biggest size possible. “If your teeth are tight together, dental floss is recommended. Do this once a day, preferably at night and in front of the mirror.”

2. ONLY BRUSHING THE TEETH AND NOT THE GUMS

When using an electric toothbrush, place the bristles against the teeth at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. Hold the handle gently with a light grip, and only apply light pressure. Glide the brush across your teeth and gums gently, allowing your brush to do most of the work.

3. NOT BRUSHING LONG ENOUGH

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important tasks we do each day, rushing the job means you might miss surface areas and risking long-term problems such as cavities and gum disease,”says Dr Theo Sioutis, dental director of private healthcare firm My Healthcare Clinic (myhealthcareclinic.com).

4. BRUSHING TOO HARD

Over-aggressive brushing can slowly erode the enamel of our teeth and lead to gum recession, potentially exposing nerves and roots.

5. NOT REPLACING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

Experts recommend changing your toothbrush at least every 12 to 16 weeks.

6. BRUSHING AT THE WRONG TIMES

Dr Azad Eyrumlu of Banning Dental Group says that when you brush your teeth is crucial. “Brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods such as coffee or orange juice can be harmful to the enamel, as you’re effectively brushing the acid onto your teeth. Your mouth needs time to produce saliva to neutralise the acid, and make it safe to brush again.”