Don’t make these mistakes when you brush

Don’t only brush once a day

This is tooth care 101, but a lot of us don’t follow this cardinal rule. Remember to brush twice a day, for two minutes each time.

Don’t forget to floss

This is also classed under tooth care 101, but flossing is extremely important. Flossing might seem redundant, but even if you don’t get huge bits of food out when flossing, you’re still removing bad bacteria that can cause bad breath and gum disease.

Don’t brush right after eating

The acids in our food can leave our teeth temporarily softer than normal. This means that when we brush, we’re helping erode the enamel of our own teeth. To combat this, make sure you wait at least 30 minutes after you’ve eaten before you brush your teeth. If you’re worried about acid damage, swish some water round your mouth or use some sugar-free chewing gum to remove any traces.

Don’t always start in the same place

Although we don’t really realise it, a lot of us tend to start in the same place when we brush. As a result of this, we spend more time on specific areas of our mouth. To combat this switch hands when you brush your teeth, or try changing your brushing pattern.

Don’t be too aggressive

Don’t be fooled into thinking that if you brush harder, you’re cleaning your teeth better. In reality, you can be damaging your teeth more, as harder brushing can lead to teeth sensitivity, damaged gums and, in extreme cases, exposed roots.

Don’t only brush your teeth

Remember to not only clean your teeth, but also your gums and tongue. Both can harbour bacteria that cause gum disease and bad breath. Most toothbrushes now come with a tongue scraper, which is generally more effective at cleaning your tongue than the bristles of your toothbrush.