How to Properly Brush and Floss: 8 Mistakes to Avoid

Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential for a healthy smile, but many of us make mistakes in our daily routine that can do more harm than good. From brushing too hard to skipping flossing, these common errors can lead to problems like gum disease, cavities, and enamel damage. Dr Keshav Naithani, Sr Director & HOD, Oral Oncology, Dental & Maxillofacial Surgery, Max Multi Speciality Centre, Noida, shares the top mistakes people make and how to fix them for better oral health.

Brushing Too Hard or Using a Hard-Bristled Brush

Many people think scrubbing their teeth hard will make them cleaner, but this can actually hurt your gums and wear down your enamel.

“Aggressive brushing with firm-bristled brushes is one of the leading causes of gum recession and enamel abrasion I observe in my practise,” says Dr Naithani. “These tissues don’t regenerate easily, leading to increased sensitivity and vulnerability to decay.”

• The solution: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in small circles. Think of it as massaging your teeth and gums, not scrubbing them.

Missing the Gum Line

The area where your teeth meet your gums is a hotspot for plaque, but it often gets overlooked.

“The gum line serves as a gateway for bacteria to enter deeper tissues,” Dr Naithani explains. “When left uncleaned, this area becomes a primary site for gingivitis development, which can progress to more serious periodontal disease affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.”

• The Solution: Tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle and use short, gentle strokes to clean along the gum line. This helps prevent gum disease.

Skipping Flossing

Flossing might feel like a chore, but it’s crucial for cleaning the spaces between your teeth that your brush can’t reach.

“Brushing alone reaches only 60% of your tooth surfaces,” Dr Naithani points out. “Without flossing, you’re leaving 40% of your teeth vulnerable to decay and inflammation. The spaces between teeth are often where the most damaging cavities begin.”

• The Solution: Make flossing a daily habit. If regular floss is tricky, try floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes.

Flossing the Wrong Way

Even if you floss, doing it wrong can hurt your gums and leave plaque behind.

“Simply snapping floss between teeth can damage gum tissue and fails to remove plaque effectively,” says Dr Naithani. “Proper flossing involves careful manipulation of the floss against tooth surfaces below the gum line.”

• The Solution: Curve the floss around each tooth in a ‘C’ shape and gently slide it up and down, going slightly below the gum line.

Brushing Right After Eating

Brushing right after meals, especially after acidic foods or drinks, can damage your enamel.

“Acids temporarily soften enamel. Brushing during this vulnerable period accelerates enamel erosion,” explains Dr Naithani. “This is particularly true after consuming citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee, wine, or carbonated beverages.”

• The Solution: Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing. Rinse your mouth with water right after eating to help neutralise acids.

Not Changing Your Toothbrush

Using an old, worn-out toothbrush won’t clean your teeth well and can even harbour bacteria.

“Frayed bristles cannot effectively clean between teeth or along the gum line,” Dr Naithani cautions. “Additionally, studies show that toothbrushes can accumulate bacteria over time, particularly in humid bathroom environments.”

• The Solution: Replace your toothbrush or electric brush head every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles look frayed.

Forgetting to Clean Your Tongue

“The tongue harbours millions of bacteria in its numerous grooves and papillae,” Dr Naithani explains. “These microorganisms not only cause halitosis but can also redeposit onto freshly cleaned teeth, undermining your brushing efforts.”

• The Solution: Clean your tongue daily with a tongue scraper or your toothbrush. Start at the back and gently scrape or brush forward.

Rushing Through Brushing

“Studies show the average person brushes for only 45 seconds,” Dr Naithani reveals. “This is simply insufficient to disrupt and remove the bacterial biofilm that forms on teeth. Effective plaque removal requires both proper technique and adequate time.”

• The Solution: Brush for a full two minutes. Divide your mouth into four sections and spend 30 seconds on each. Use a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to help.

Fixing these common mistakes can make a big difference in your oral health. By brushing and flossing the right way, you’ll protect your smile and avoid costly dental problems down the road.

Don’t Miss:6 Stroke Warning Signs You Should Know About, As Explained By Health Expert

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.

Image Courtesy: Freepik