- We choose hard bristles…
…when we should all be using soft or extra-soft ones to prevent gum damage and recession, says dentist Dr Leena Palomo. (Hard brushes are for use on dentures, not human teeth.) Save the turbo bristles for cleaning grout!
- We brush too hard
If you put too much muscle into it, even with a soft brush, you’ll take a toll on your gums and eventually wear down tooth enamel, says Dr Alice Boghosian, spokesperson for the American Dental Association. With a manual brush, don’t press hard enough to splay the bristles. If you’re using an electric brush, simply turn it on and move it from tooth to tooth without pushing down.
- We don’t follow the two-minute rule
That’s how long it takes to do a thorough job, whether you go manual or electric, says dentist Dr Eugene Antenucci.
- We ignore the tongue
‘The tongue harbours a lot of bacteria from what you eat and drink,’ says dentist Dr Kellee N Kattleman Stanton. That bacteria can spread to your teeth, upping the risk of cavities, gingivitis and noxious breath. Make sure you brush the entire surface of your tongue – the front and back.
- We store our brushes in a travel case
You might think you’re protecting against germs, but this actually traps in bacteria. Another no-no: tossing your toothbrush in the dishwasher, which can damage the bristles so they can’t do their job.
– Hallie Levine Sklar
