Dentist names main mistake everyone makes when brushing teeth
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Many are surprised to hear that rinsing your mouth with water after brushing your teeth actually does more harm than good. A dentist has revealed common mistakes that could harm your oral health, according to Express.
Tooth brushing mistakes
While most adults know the rule of brushing for two minutes twice a day, many will be surprised to learn that rinsing your mouth with water after brushing your teeth actually is not very good.
"A habit I frequently encounter is individuals rinsing their mouths with water immediately after brushing. It is not good and actually stops your toothpaste from being as effective," said dentist Andrej Bozic.
Rinsing with water washes away fluoride, which is the most important ingredient in toothpaste and helps reduce cavities and strengthen your enamel. So, if you rinse your mouth immediately, you lose this benefit.
Dr. Bozic adds that mouthwash should not be used after brushing your teeth either. Instead, it should be used before brushing your teeth.
Best dentist advice for good oral hygiene
Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day
"While it might seem obvious, brushing twice a day is very important - once in the morning and once before bed," he says.
Brush before breakfast
Brushing your teeth in the morning helps stimulate saliva production, which aids in breaking down food and naturally eliminates harmful bacteria in the mouth. It also helps with the morning breath.
Wait 30 minutes after eating
Brushing teeth immediately after eating can cover your teeth with remnants of acidic food, which can weaken your enamel.
Brush your tongue
Bacteria accumulate between taste receptors and other structures of the tongue, and they are almost impossible to remove by rinsing alone.
This buildup not only affects bad breath, but can also lead to other oral health problems, so brushing your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper is highly important for good oral health.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
