I’m a dentist and you’re probably brushing your teeth wrong – here are my tips for optimal oral health

A dentist has revealed the top mistakes people make when brushing their teeth – and warns why these everyday mistakes could be dangerous to your oral health.

Dr. Zaeem Jafri, a dental expert at British oral care company Ordo, has shared six of the most common blunders made during our dental routine – including using a toothbrush in the shower and brushing your teeth ‘wrong’.

While many of us believe we are practicing healthy habits, such as using “whiteners” while brushing, Dr. Zaeem says incorrect and “overly complex” practices can be harmful to our oral health and ultimately lead to tooth decay and gum loss.

To save us from our mistakes, the specialist has shared the best way to improve our oral routine and ensure overall good dental health.

He said: ‘The way you brush your teeth is extremely important and if not done correctly it can have a negative effect on your oral health.

‘Not only can you damage your gums and teeth by brushing too hard, but if you don’t brush properly it can lead to plaque build-up, causing tooth discolouration, tooth decay and in severe cases even tooth loss.’

Here, Dr. Zaeem explains what to do and what not to do for optimal dental health.

1. Let your electric toothbrush do the work

Dr. Zaeem says many people love using their sonic or electric toothbrush as they would a manual toothbrush.

While a manual toothbrush requires sustained and vigorous effort, the expert says electric toothbrushes are the exact opposite. He adds that not learning the difference between the two can be detrimental.

‘Electric toothbrushes are there to do the work for you, so using it like a manual toothbrush and brushing too hard can cause damage to your gums,’ says Dr Zaeem.

‘It can also cause your gums to recede, resulting in tooth loss. If you’re using a sonic toothbrush, place it at a 45-degree angle on each tooth, hold for three to five seconds, then move on to the next.”

2. Don’t brush your teeth in the shower

Sometimes the morning is a hectic blur of a hot shower and breakfast before you run like a madman out the door to start your daily commute.

While logic implies that brushing your teeth in the shower is the best way to save time and stress, Dr. Zaeem explains why it’s the worst thing you can do.

According to our expert, not using mouth freshener at the right time can undo the hard work of your toothpaste in one sip (Stock Image)

He said: It’s not a good idea to brush your teeth in the shower because moisture in the shower can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

‘This means that your perfectly clean toothbrush is now exposed to bacteria and so is your mouth. The heat of the shower can also damage the bristles of a toothbrush!’

Do your gums and teeth a favor by brushing before or after showering or bathing.

3. Don’t rush with the mouthwash

While a manual toothbrush requires sustained and vigorous effort, Dr. Zaeem says electric toothbrushes are “there to do the work for you” (Stock Image)

There are rumors about the best time to use mouthwash, ranging from right after brushing your teeth to just before bed.

But according to our expert, not using mouth freshener at the right time can undo the hard work of your toothpaste in one sip.

He added: ‘When brushing your teeth, it is important that you spit out the excess toothpaste after brushing. More importantly, wait a while before rinsing with water or mouthwash.

‘Doing this will wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste, diluting it and reducing its full effects.’

For those who regularly use mouthwash, he advised waiting ‘a little while’ after brushing or choosing a completely different time.

Additionally, he said the best time to use it is right after eating so it can freshen your breath and wash away acidic foods.

4. Don’t forget to floss

We’ve all heard about cavities and plaque, and how a lack of brushing can cause damage to your teeth and gums; But did you know that not flossing has the same effect?

According to Dr. Zaeem, flossing removes plaque from between the teeth and from under the gums, in places a toothbrush cannot reach.

However, never flossing can cause serious problems, including cavities, which lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

“You should floss between your teeth at least once a day, preferably in the evening before brushing your teeth,” he added.

“Using a water flosser is an easy and effective way to incorporate flossing into your regular routine, while still being gentle on the gums.”

5. Refresh your brush heads

Dr. Zaeem says the longer you use a brush head, the less effective it becomes at cleaning your teeth.

And that’s not all: ‘It [makes the toothbrush] more susceptible to contamination and potentially harmful to teeth and gums.

‘We always recommend replacing the brush heads of sonic toothbrushes or manual toothbrushes every two to three months. This way you can be sure that your toothbrush is performing optimally.’

6. Keep it simple

From TikTok to grocery store shelves, many places claim to know the best oral products for your teeth, making it easy to get lost in the whirlwind.

But according to the doctor, the many toothpastes available on the market will only “overcomplicate” your oral routine.

Whether it’s purple toothpaste, charcoal toothpaste or extra white, “all you need is a simple, rounded toothpaste that strengthens enamel, protects gums, removes plaque and restores natural whiteness,” says Dr. Zaeem.

He also instructed us to brush our teeth “for two minutes each time” and “twice a day.”