Joy Onuorah

Brushing your teeth is the most important part of maintaining good dental health. 

Here are several mistakes people make while brushing:

Not brushing long enough

The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes, but in truth, the average person only brushes their teeth for about 45 seconds.

using incorrect brushing techniques

The best way to brush is to make small circles with the toothbrush, not a side-to-side motion. 

Brushing teeth at the wrong angle

Brushing at the right angle also makes a big difference in how effective your brushing can be. Instead of pointing the toothbrush directly at your teeth, hold it at a 45-degree angle towards the gums while brushing. 

Using toothbrush for too long

Another mistake that not only affects your dental health but also possibly your physical health is keeping a toothbrush for too long. 

Storing your toothbrush incorrectly

What’s probably the grossest mistake people can make when it comes to toothbrushes is storing their toothbrush out in the open in the bathroom. 

Brushing too often

Actually, the general consensus among dentists is to brush teeth twice a day, as brushing too often can actually damage tooth enamel and the gumline.

Rinsing mouth with water after brushing

Rinsing with water after brushing dilutes the fluoride in your mouth from the toothpaste, causing it to not work as effectively. 

Instead of rinsing with water, use mouthwash instead. 

Not cleaning your tongue

The human tongue is covered in bumps (known as papillae) that bacteria can hide between.