We all think we know how to brush our teeth properly - brushing in the morning and at night, rinsing with water, and maybe rinsing with a mint-flavored liquid.
But, according to dentists, even those who brush their teeth most diligently can make some mistakes that undo all their efforts.
Dr Praveen Sharma from the School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham in England says that half of adults in the United Kingdom (UK) will have gum disease at some point, and an early sign is bleeding gums.
"If your gums are bleeding or swollen, that's a sign you need to brush your teeth better," he says.
In addition to regular visits to the dentist, Dr Sharma and the hosts of the BBC podcast What's Up Docs, doctors Xand and Chris van Tulrken, highlight four common mistakes that many of us make, which, if corrected, can significantly improve dental health.
1. Better to be thorough once than superficial twice
One of the basic rules of oral hygiene is to brush your teeth twice a day, which is also recommended by the British National Health Service (NHS).
However, Dr. Sharma emphasizes that the key is quality, not the number of washes.
"If you have time, of course, brush your teeth twice a day," he says.
"But it's better to do it once a day thoroughly than twice a day superficially."
If you have time to brush your teeth properly and floss only once a day, it is recommended to do so in the evening.
Most people don't like flossing, but Dr. Sharma recommends interdental brushes because they are easier to use and less uncomfortable.
As for the brushing technique itself, each tooth has an outer, biting and inner surface, and all three should be brushed with a toothbrush.
Dr. Sharma advises washing in small circular motions on each surface, without applying too much pressure.
He adds that special attention should be paid to the junction between the teeth and gums, as this is where gum disease can occur.
Dr. Xand adds that it is important to focus on feeling the bristles of the brush and that brushing should be done consciously, not while looking at your phone.
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2. Brush your teeth before, not after breakfast
Many people brush their teeth immediately after eating, but this is not good for tooth enamel.
"It's ideal to brush your teeth before breakfast," says Dr. Sharma.
"You shouldn't wash them after eating something acidic."
"If you do brush your teeth after a meal, it should take some time before you brush them."
This is because acids from food and drinks, especially fruit juices and coffee, can soften tooth enamel, and brushing your teeth right after a meal can wear it down.
Dr. Chris recommends rinsing your mouth with water after breakfast to remove some of the acid, and waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
3. Don't rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth
If you are used to rinsing your mouth thoroughly after every wash, it's time to think about it.
"You should spit out the toothpaste, but you shouldn't rinse your mouth with water," advises Dr. Sharma.
Rinsing your mouth with water washes away the concentrated fluoride from the remaining toothpaste.
This means you should spit out the excess toothpaste and leave a thin layer of fluoride that will protect your teeth.
If you want to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth, use mouthwash.
4. Expensive toothpaste is not better
Stores are full of toothpastes for whitening teeth, strengthening tooth enamel, and those containing activated charcoal, so it's easy to think that they are more expensive and better.
But, according to Dr. Sharma, it doesn't matter which brand you choose as long as it contains the key ingredient.
"As long as the toothpaste contains fluoride, it doesn't really matter what brand it is," he says, adding that he buys the one that's the cheapest or currently on sale.
Fluoride helps protect enamel and prevent cavities, and that's what's really important.
However, if you suffer from certain problems such as sensitive gums, your dentist may recommend special toothpastes.
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