Every day, we brush our teeth, not knowing whether or not we’re doing it right.
1. Use mouthwash before brushing your teeth
It may also be surprising to some but using mouthwash directly after brushing is also bad for our teeth as it also rinses away the fluoride. If you do like to use mouthwash, try to use it before brushing OR at a separate time to brush. This is to ensure that you get the full benefit of the fluoride in your toothpaste
2. Do not brush immediately after eating
It’s better to wait at least half an hour after a meal before you brush your teeth, especially if you’ve consumed something acidic, such as foods that contain citric acids like oranges and lemons which can soften tooth enamel temporarily, and if you brush immediately after, there’s a chance you can damage the weakened enamel.
3. It is best to brush your teeth before breakfast after waking up
There are reasons for this. Dental plaque forms at night as you sleep, and if you wake up and have breakfast before brushing your teeth, you may be feeding the plaque. So, it’s best to get rid of it first before having your breakfast.
4. You can use your mouthwash to clean your toothbrush
You may not think about it, because usually your toothbrush does the cleaning, but your brush needs to be cleaned, too! Sterilize your brush by letting the bristles soak in a cup of mouthwash overnight. This can be an alternative to buying a new toothbrush if your yours still have a strong and intact bristles.
5. Brushing harder does not make it cleaner
Brushing your teeth too hard or with too abrasive brush may damage teeth and gums. This is one of the causes of receding gums or tooth sensitivity. When it comes to brushing your teeth, there is such a thing as proper technique. Not sure if you’re brushing too hard? Take a look at your toothbrush. If you’ve been using it for three months or less, it should still appear relatively new. “If it looks beat up and flat, that’s a sign you’re brushing way too hard,”