Common mistakes when brushing your teeth

Brush your teeth properly? We’ve been doing it day in and day out, since childhood. Toothache, caries or other complaints despite regular brushing are not uncommon – because you can actually do quite a lot wrong. We tell you the five most common mistakes in dental care.

Use old or wrong toothbrush

On average, Germans use about two toothbrushes a year. That is far too little! According to dentists, the brush should be changed at least every three months. If you brush too long with one and the same toothbrush, you risk bacteria and fungi settling in the bristles. In addition, the cleaning power decreases when the brush is worn out and the bristles stand to the side. This is the clear sign of a change at the latest!
By the way: The toothbrush should ALWAYS be renewed after illnesses such as colds or flu infections, but also after herpes has healed! The pathogens are persistent and multiply very well in the damp bathroom climate.

The type of toothbrush also plays a major role. Many people think hard bristles clean better. It is true that a higher degree of hardness removes the bacterial plaque on the teeth particularly well – but tooth enamel and gums are particularly easily injured here and they can irreparably recede in the long run. When in doubt, use a soft brush.

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brushing frequency

We admit it: Most of the time we have to pull ourselves together to brush our teeth. Presumably the sense of time during cleaning does not exactly correspond to reality. But a thorough cleaning of at least two minutes is strongly recommended by dentists! Even three or four minutes is better. In order to really keep to these, it helps to set an hourglass or an alarm clock. This will give you a correct feeling for the right cleaning time.

In addition, removing all leftover food once a day is not enough. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day. If that’s not possible, chew antibacterial, sugar-free gum.

Also read: The best expert tips for proper dental care >>

Clean immediately after eating

This is a common misconception. Dentists now know that brushing your teeth directly after eating can even damage your teeth with some foods. Some foods contain acids that attack tooth enamel. In combination with toothpaste, this effect can be intensified and the protective layer can be rubbed off.

It is best to brush your teeth in the morning before eating and wait at least half an hour after the other meals.

Wrong cleaning technique

We learned it that way in elementary school, which is why many people brush their teeth with circular movements. In the meantime, however, a healthier toothbrushing technique has prevailed: Sweeping movements . Sweep the toothbrush from red to white over the teeth in order to remove the plaque optimally and not to injure the gums. Circular movements often move bacteria under the edge of the gums and also push them back, which can be irreparable in the long run.

Caution: Pressing too hard is also a common dental care mistake. You’re doing more damage than you’re cleaning. In extreme cases, the enamel can be removed and the gums pushed back.

Forget the tongue and the spaces between the teeth

We only get about 60 to 70 percent of the dirt deposits with the toothbrush. The rest sits between the teeth and there are also a lot of bacteria on the tongue. Dental care is far from over with simple brushing. You should use dental floss at least once a day and thoroughly clean the spaces between your teeth.
You can clean the tongue with a special tongue scraper , which should be used daily after brushing your teeth. Alternatively, you can also gently go over your tongue with a soft toothbrush.

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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