Avoid these common tooth brushing mistakes for a whiter smile
Achieving a pearly white smile requires not only using the right products but also maintaining proper daily oral hygiene habits. A dental expert advises on when to avoid brushing.
Many people strive for a dazzling white smile, dreaming of perfect teeth. In our quest for ideal oral hygiene, we often invest in expensive whitening toothpastes and modern toothbrushes.
Unfortunately, few realize that certain habits can work against us, causing our teeth to become more yellow over time. Dr. Ferakh Hamid, a dentist with over 20 years of experience, highlights a common mistake that affects the appearance of our smiles.
What mistakes do we make when brushing our teeth?
While many of us use specialized whitening toothpastes, that's not enough to achieve a bright smile. The key to success is not only choosing the right products but also using them correctly. Dr. Ferakh Hamid points out that a frequent mistake impacting dental health is the way people brush their teeth—for example, doing so without water or right after eating acidic foods—which can gradually reduce their whiteness.
Some people brush their teeth without first moistening the bristles or do so immediately after consuming acidic products like citrus fruits, which doesn't help maintain a healthy, white smile. Proper preparation of the toothbrush before use is a crucial element.
Proper toothbrush preparation – How to do it?
Dr. Hamid stresses the importance of dampening the toothbrush bristles before brushing – they should be moistened both before use and after applying toothpaste to ensure even distribution
Without water, toothpaste doesn't spread well, leading to uneven cleaning of tooth surfaces. This can result in residue buildup, which promotes discoloration.
Another mistake impacting the health and appearance of our teeth is brushing immediately after eating acidic or spicy products. Dr. Ezzard Rolle, an expert from Columbia University, explains that acidic substances in the mouth can weaken enamel if teeth are brushed right after consumption.
Instead of brushing immediately, it's better to rinse your mouth with water, which helps in the remineralization of enamel.
