Proper tooth brushing – avoid these mistakes!
There are many myths and misunderstandings about tooth brushing. Many people are not aware which steps are actually necessary to properly clean their teeth. In this article we will point out some of the most common mistakes when brushing and explain why they occur. You will also learn how to care for your teeth correctly in the future and which mistakes you should definitely avoid.
The ten most common mistakes when brushing your teeth
Most people still brush their teeth incorrectly. Often too much pressure is applied or the movements are too fast and uncoordinated. As a result, the teeth are not cleaned thoroughly and bacteria and food residues remain in the interdental spaces. Brushing with a toothbrush that is too soft or too hard can also cause damage. The consequences are cavities, periodontitis and other dental problems.
To do it correctly from now on, you should avoid the following 10 mistakes when brushing your teeth:
Mistake No. 1 – brushing for too short a time
Most people brush their teeth for far too short a time! The recommended brushing time is at least two minutes – yet most of us do not even devote half of that time per day to our teeth. It is important to brush correctly and thoroughly to prevent caries and other dental problems. So if you can only spare one minute per day for your teeth, be aware that this is not sufficient prevention.
But what is the reason we brush for such a short time? Often it is simple convenience. We are used to brushing quickly and efficiently – but unfortunately that is not always good for our teeth. Instead, we should take the time to brush thoroughly and protect them from painful conditions. So take the two minutes and brush properly – it is worth it.
Mistake No. 2 – not brushing often enough
Oral care is actually straightforward: brush your teeth thoroughly with a toothbrush and toothpaste to keep them clean and strong. Brushing too infrequently is one of the most common causes of dental disease.
You should not only brush in the morning and evening, but ideally also at intervals during the day. Otherwise, sugars from food remain on the teeth and lead to cavities. Even if you brush regularly, you should also use dental floss once a day to thoroughly remove plaque from the interdental spaces.
Mistake No. 3 – brushing immediately after eating
Many think brushing right after eating is mandatory, but that’s not correct. In fact, it can even damage the teeth. Some foods contain acids that attack the enamel. So it is best to wait about an hour and then brush thoroughly.
Mistake No. 4 – neglecting the tongue and gums
Many people brush their teeth regularly but neglect their tongue and gums. That is a major mistake, as these areas should also be cleaned regularly. The tongue is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can in turn cause bad breath. The gums are also prone to inflammation if they are not cared for regularly. It is best to clean the tongue and the gums with a dedicated tongue brush or a tongue scraper. This removes bacteria effectively, resulting in less bad breath and healthier gums.
Mistake No. 5 – neglecting the interdental spaces
If you want to avoid mistakes when brushing your teeth, you must not neglect the interdental spaces! Many bacteria and germs can hide there. It is best to clean them with dental floss or interdental brushes. That way you reach every angle and can be sure everything is thoroughly clean.
Mistake No. 6 – not replacing the brush often enough
Many people are not aware of how important it is to replace their toothbrush regularly. The toothbrush should be replaced at least every three months, otherwise germs and bacteria can remain trapped between the bristles. In addition, the brush generally wears out after three months at the latest and can no longer deliver its full cleaning effectiveness.
Mistake No. 7 – using brushes that are too hard
Brushes that are too hard can damage the sensitive necks of the teeth and lead to gum bleeding. Instead, use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth gently.
Mistake No. 8 – not storing toothbrushes separately
Toothbrush cups should not be shared by all family members or flatmates. The toothbrushes then stand too close together and bacteria can spread easily. Everyone should have their own storage location for their toothbrush. The toothbrush should also be stored in a well-ventilated place.
Mistake No. 9 – moving the brush incorrectly
The typical „back-and-forth“ motions, i.e. brushing up and down, are according to experts completely wrong. This does not clean the teeth properly and bacteria remain on the teeth. The correct motion is circular — this removes plaque and bacteria from the teeth more effectively. Ideally, guide the toothbrush in small circles (about 0.5 cm in diameter) around each tooth.
Mistake No. 10 – only visiting a dentist when you have toothache
Many people only go to the dentist when they have toothache. However, that is completely wrong! Toothache is often a sign that damage to the tooth has already occurred. If you only go to the dentist then, it is usually already too late and the tooth is already damaged.
It is therefore important to attend regular preventive check-ups and not only seek care when pain occurs.
If you avoid the toothbrushing mistakes listed here in the future and attend regular preventive appointments at a dental practice, nothing will stand in the way of oral health and hygiene.
Which is better: the conventional manual toothbrush or the electric toothbrush?
One final question still needs to be resolved. Does an electric toothbrush clean better than a manual toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes are ideal for thorough tooth cleaning. Their movements are considerably more complex and effective than those of a manual brush. They offer numerous advantages, particularly for older people, because they are easier to handle.
However, the conventional brush is more sustainable and does not require as many resources as an electric toothbrush. At the dental practice you can receive tailored advice and choose the best brush for your individual needs.
Warning: harmful ingredients in toothpaste
Not all toothpastes are the same. There are a number of toothpaste brands that contain harmful ingredients that can damage teeth and health. There are also natural toothpastes. It is therefore important that, before you buy your next toothpaste, you know which harmful ingredients to avoid:
Fluoride:
Fluoride is a commonly used ingredient in toothpaste that is intended to help prevent cavities. However, it is also a toxic chemical element that can cause serious health problems if ingested in high concentrations. Fluoride is particularly dangerous for children, as they are at higher risk of developing fluorosis, a condition caused by excessive fluoride intake.
Triclosan:
Triclosan is an antibacterial agent found in many toothpaste brands. It is believed to kill the bacteria that cause cavities. However, triclosan is also an environmental toxin that can disrupt endocrine function and may even be carcinogenic.
Propylene glycol:
Propylene glycol is a chemical compound used as a humectant in toothpaste. It can, however, cause skin irritation and is not recommended for people with sensitive skin.
Sodium lauryl sulfate:
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming agent used in many industrial products such as soaps, shampoos and toothpaste. It can also cause skin irritation and is not recommended for people with sensitive skin.