How do you clean your teeth?

You may think that brushing your teeth is second nature, but because we’ve been doing it for as long as we can remember, we get into bad habits, which can cause significant damage to them.

Here are 5 common mistakes most of us do when brushing our teeth:

1. Give it time

The recommended brushing time is 2 minutes, however the majority of people fall short of that time period.  An easy way to brush for 2 minutes, without missing any spots is to divide your mouth into 4 sections (top, bottom, left & right) and spend 30 seconds on each section.

If the idea of this completely bores you, stick on the TV for 2 minutes, or listen to your favourite song.

2. Not using the right toothbrush

The British Dental Health Foundation recommends using a small to medium sized brush that is comfortable to hold.  Some of the bristles on the brush should be angled and other straight and you should choose a brush that has soft to medium round-ended nylon bristles. 

3. Brushing incorrectly

Many people don’t know the correct technique to brush your teeth.  Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short strokes to make an up-and-down motion. Don’t forget to brush the inner tooth surfaces and the hard to reach areas, which most people tend to avoid. 

4. Not changing your toothbrush often enough

Many people forget to change their toothbrush every 3-4 months. This should be done, as the bristles break down and lose their effectiveness.

5. Keep it clean

You should rinse your toothbrush with warm water before and after you use it.  After that, stand your brush up right and let it air dry, as a moist brush is more likely to grow bacteria.

Although it’s convenient, try not to store your brush out in the bathroom as it can be exposed to germs from your toilet or sink.  It is better to store it away inside a bathroom cabinet.