Electric toothbrushes

 

Electric toothbrushes - yes, this may sound strange but if you are not using the right technique, they can be useless.

 

With most electric toothbrushes you only need to touch the tooth with the bristles¹.

 

If you push too hard the bristles bend and are not effective.

 

Take your electric toothbrush with you and ask your dental hygienist for a demonstration².

 

Whitening toothpastes

 

Abrasive³ tooth pastes such as bicarbonate or whitening pastes.

 

They are abrasive and can wear your enamel⁴ away and in the long-term lead to sensitivity and darkening of your teeth as the enamel wears and the inner amber-coloured dentine becomes visible.

 

Rinsing⁵ too soon with water after brushing

 

We all use water to clean our teeth but swishing water in your mouth too soon after brushing washes away much of the fluoride with it and minimises your toothpaste's effectiveness.

 

If you feel the need to rinse⁶ out your mouth after brushing, use a (non alcohol-based) mouthwash.

 

You shouldn't eat or drink for at least half an hour after brushing your teeth.

 

Brushing your teeth too hard

 

Poor tooth brushing techniques can harm your teeth - if you really scrub your teeth too hard, you will wear the sides of your teeth down, leaving V-shaped defects near the gum margins⁷.

 

Also, don't always start brushing the same place.

 

If you always start on the top right side, that section is going to get the most attention.

 

Most people get bored as they are brushing, so the areas covered last get the least attention.

 

Mix-up your brushing technique so all areas are covered adequately.

 

You should brush in a circular motion - rather than from side to side.

 

Mouthwash

 

Alcohol-based mouth washes can be harsh and long-term use has been linked to development of oral cancers.

 

Studies have found that excessive use - three times a day - presents a health risk.

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