Mistakes to avoid when brushing your teeth

What is your teeth cleaning routine? Do you do a quick up and down with your tooth brush, swish water around your mouth to rinse and think the job is done? If you do, you’re not alone. Research shows that the average person brushes their teeth for just 45 seconds.¹

Bupa’s Head Dentist Dr Cathryn Madden, says how we brush, and for how long, can make all the difference to the health of our teeth and gums.

“The aim of toothbrushing is to remove plaque bacteria that forms on the surface of your teeth every day.” Dr Madden explains.

“Removing this daily keeps your teeth and gums healthy by reducing the amount of plaque bacteria around the gum-lines. If this isn’t removed, it leads to inflammation of the gums (red, swollen, bleeding), which is commonly known as gingivitis.

The Australian Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day, for 2 minutes each time.² Brushing for 2 minutes removes 26% more plaque than brushing for 45 seconds.

“Brushing first thing in the morning and last thing at night is the most important thing to remember,” Dr Madden says.

“Brushing too often or too vigorously can lead to problems such as sensitivity, enamel abrasion or gum recession. And, if you have something sugary or acidic to eat or drink, this can actually soften the enamel slightly, so it is recommended that you wait at least 30-60 minutes after consuming these to brush.”

A quick once-over your teeth with your brush is not enough to remove dental plaque. Dr Madden suggests thinking of your mouth in terms of quadrants (top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right) then spending 30 seconds on each area, using the following steps to brush your teeth correctly:

1. Aim the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line.
2. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Use a gentle circular motion.
3. Repeat on the inside surfaces.
4. Use a light back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces.
5. Spit out the toothpaste after brushing. Don’t rinse as the small amount of fluoridated toothpaste left in your mouth continues to protect against tooth decay.³

If you normally just use whatever toothbrush you bought on sale, Dr Madden recommends taking a closer look at what you’re choosing.

“Some brushes have really hard bristles and if a lot of pressure is used during brushing, these types of brushes can do damage to gums and enamel,” she says.

“It’s a good idea to ask your dental practitioner to advise you on which type of brush might work best for you. Wearing braces may influence the type of brush you use or for people with reduced manual dexterity, such as arthritis, an electric brush may be best.

“The size of the brush is also an important factor – using a brush with too large a head can be difficult to maneuver around difficult-to-reach areas, such as wisdom teeth.”

Another mistake is keeping your toothbrush for too long. Replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or distorted. Some brushes have coloured indicator bristles which fade over time, letting you know when it’s time to replace them.

Do you stand in the supermarket aisle in front of shelves of toothpaste and wonder what to buy?

“There are more toothpastes than ever before and the choice can be overwhelming,” Dr Madden observes.

“The important thing is to choose a toothpaste that targets any particular concerns or conditions you may have.

“This can include one that addresses sensitivity in teeth or a toothpaste high fluoride if you have an increased risk of decay.:

“All evidence points towards a fluoride-containing toothpaste to prevent tooth decay⁴, so make sure this is included in the ingredient list. And, of course, choose one you like the flavour of!”