The 5 mistakes you’re probably making while brushing your teeth revealed

FALLING SHORT OF TWO MINUTES

Everyone knows you should be brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, with the addition of flossing.

If you want to go the extra mile, mouthwash once a day is a bonus.

Two to three minutes twice a day is a drag, but it only saves you problems later down the line.

Payal said: “Yes, we are all in a rush in the morning, however making time for your oral hygiene routine is imperative.

“Often, people only brush their teeth for 30 seconds, which is far too short.

“Two minutes spent brushing your teeth as a general rule is considered the right amount of time.

"This is because you need to ensure you are brushing each tooth effectively and removing any plaque and food debris, and this can take two minutes if not longer.”

DIRTY TONGUE

Cleaning your tongue is not just vital for oral health - it prevents bad breath, and who would want that?

The tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae. Bacteria and food can get trapped between them, which gives the appearance of a white or furry tongue.

This build-up, unsurprisingly, can cause bad breath.

Payal said: “After you brush your teeth, give your tongue a brush to remove any gunk sitting on the tongue.

“You may also find you want to use mouthwash as this will help to clean the whole mouth and tongue and remove any lingering bacteria and plaque.”

The tongue can also practically be cleaned using a tongue cleaner/scraper.

BRUSHING TOO HARD

When brushing your teeth, focus on the motion rather than the pressure. 

Payal said: “Many people think you need to brush your teeth hard to get rid of plaque, but it is more about the motions and directions when brushing as opposed to pressure. 

“Furthermore, brushing too hard can actually cause damage to the enamel of the tooth, wearing it down and may also cause tooth sensitivity or gum issues as brushing hard and with force could promote receding or bleeding gums.”

Damage to the enamel can lead to teeth sensitivity, dental deyal and tooth discolouration.

The proper brushing technique is to use small circle motions on top, behind and in front of teeth. Don’t forget to brush the gums too.

BRUSHING IN THE SAME WAY EVERY DAY 

When you brush your teeth, you should switch up which area of the mouth you start with every day, Payal said.

“If you always brush your teeth in the same pattern every day, for example starting in the upper left and ending at the lower right then there’s a good chance your missing areas every day,” Payal warned. 

“To prevent this you should change up the pattern in which you brush your teeth. 

“You may have to start focusing on your brushing, but this will ensure that the teeth are being cleaned properly and no areas are missing out.”

NOT CHANGING THE BRUSH

When’s the last time you changed the bristles of your brush?

It should be “every three months ideally”, Payal said.

“If you use an electric toothbrush then the brush head should be changed too,” she added.