Brushing your teeth is something you do every day, twice a day – right? Well, you might be surprised to know that a shocking 29% of Brits admit to only brushing their teeth once a day. And that’s not the only thing done wrong when it comes to personal oral hygiene.

So, today we’re taking a look at five common mistakes you may be making whilst brushing your teeth.

#1 Are you being stingy with the floss?

Flossing is an important part of everyday oral hygiene, but a common misconception is that flossing is only meant for the teeth at the front of the mouth. In fact, flossing is important for removing fine plaque that cannot be reached with a toothbrush, so it’s just as important to go for those hard to reach places as it is to floss the front of your teeth.

#2 When did you last update your toothbrush?

Did you know that you should be replacing your toothbrush or toothbrush head once every 3 months – or even before that if it shows signs of damage or wear? Our guess is that you’d be as shocked as we were to find that an incredible 41% of people in the UK admit to replacing their toothbrush just twice a year – or less. . .

Toothbrush heads can harbour bacteria quickly, and as the bristles become worn and damaged, they lose their ability to clean your teeth properly. So, if your toothbrush has been in your bathroom for over 3 months – get a new one added to your shopping list as soon as possible!

#3 Is it time to brush your teeth?

There are a number of times throughout the day where brushing your teeth can do more harm than good. Here are a few common misconceptions about when it’s best to brush your teeth:

• After an illness – acid build-up from being ill can mean that the protective saliva in your mouth is removed. So, when you brush, the abrasion is much greater and more damaging.

• After eating or drinking acidic food – want to brush after a sugary glass of orange juice? Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to give that saliva chance to re-establish itself.

• Only once in the day – missing that morning brush or the one before bed can mean that plaque builds up and bacteria isn’t removed as regularly.

#4 Take it easy!

No matter how much your teeth need brushing, going in too hard is never the right way to go about it. In fact, brushing too hard can cause irreversible wear on the teeth that could later lead to gum disease.

If you struggle with this, investing in an electric toothbrush that notifies you if you’re brushing to hard may be something to consider.

#5 How long are you spending at the sink?

Knowing how long to brush your teeth for is perhaps the biggest confusion people have when it comes to oral hygiene. Dentists in Reading recommend you brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. However, most people admit to spending less than a minute at the sink. If that’s you, and you also fall under the category of brushing your teeth just once a day, you could be on a slippery slope to more serious complications later down the line.

Whilst keeping on top of your dental care can be tricky, there are ways you can get professional help to ensure you’re doing the best you can for the future of your teeth. One way is to seek the help, guidance and advise of a dentist in Reading such as Gipsy Lane Dental. They are a private dentists offering a whole range of services, and with over 35 years in the industry, you can be confident you’re in the best hands with them.