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6 dental hygiene mistakes you might be making

8 August, 2024 . 0

Are you taking care of your teeth properly? Chances are the answer is no. Experts reveal some of the biggest dental hygiene mistakes people make (and what to do instead).

Dental upkeep can feel like a chore, and you might be tempted to skip or cut short your oral hygiene routine once in a while.

If so, you’re not alone – according to the Australian Dental Association, only half of Australians brush their teeth twice a day, while research commissioned by Colgate reveals 40 per cent of Australians ignore expert advice to change their toothbrush every three months.

And these may not be the only bad teeth habits you have picked up.

Here, experts explain why it is vital to maintain a good dental hygiene routine, and share their top tips to help keep your pearly whites healthy.

Why should you have a regular brushing routine?

We all know that brushing helps keep our teeth clean.

But maintaining a consistent and adequate brushing routine also brings other benefits.

Australian Dental Association president Dr Scott Davis says it is vital for plaque removal as plaque build-up can cause dental complications.

“Plaque – the sticky layer on the surface of your teeth where bacteria are found – develops every day,” Dr Davis says.

“This layer needs to be cleaned off, because leaving it there puts you at risk of tooth decay and gum disease.”

Principal dentist at Glenferrie Dental Dr Peter Laird adds brushing regularly disrupts colonies of bacteria around your teeth and gums from reaching a harmful state, helping maintain good oral health.

“Similar to a garden, the bacteria are like weeds,” Dr Laird explains.

“If you tend to it regularly, it is far more manageable … than if you leave it for long periods of time.”

Here are 6 common dental hygiene mistakes (and how to avoid making them)

#1. Brushing teeth once a day

Dr Davis explains that brushing in the morning and before bed helps to reduce the amount of bacteria and plaque around your teeth and gums, reducing your risk of infection.

“If you only brush once a day or less, that leaves the bacteria in place and gives it time to start the process of tooth decay and gum inflammation,” he cautions.

Australian Dental Association oral health promoter Dr Mikaela Chinotti says the general recommendation when brushing your teeth is to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, making sure to brush for approximately two minutes.

“Teeth should be brushed for the time it takes to clean them thoroughly (and) routinely using the same method when brushing can help you reach all surfaces,” Dr Chinotti says.

“Starting at the same location each time you brush and … following the same routine can help to ensure you do not move from area to area without potentially missing surfaces.”

Regular tongue cleaning can also help keep bacteria at bay and improve mouth freshness.

#2. Brushing teeth straight after eating

After your favourite meal, your first instinct may be to brush away any food residue for a fresh-feeling mouth.

Although it may sound contradictory, experts say to resist this urge.

As Dr Laird explains, the bacteria we have in our mouths will metabolise some of the food, creating an acidic environment in the mouth which tends to soften teeth.

Brushing your ivories within 30 minutes to an hour after eating can cause harm to tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of teeth, which acts as a protective barrier).

Dr Chinotti agrees, adding that damaging enamel can “reduce your teeth’s capacity to withstand future assaults.”

She says giving it some time after eating gives the enamel time to recover, so it can be brushed with no damage.

#3. Not brushing your gums

You’ve probably had that nightmare where all of your teeth fall out; and this scenario is not a reality any one of us ever wants to live.

While taking care of your gums may seem like yet another chore, they actually keep your perfect smile in place so deserve some of your attention too.

Worryingly, according to the Australian Dental Association, 25 per cent of Australians say they don’t even think about looking after their gums.

Dr Chinotti explains that unhealthy gums can result in loose teeth, or even teeth falling out if the condition is left untreated.

“Employing a correct brushing method should see users brushing their gums … hold(ing) the brush over the side surface of your teeth at a 45 degree angle, brushing in a back-forward and round motion,” she says.

#4. Forgetting to floss

In jest, dentists often recommend you just floss the teeth you want to keep.

Considering we only get one set of adult teeth, it therefore makes sense not to skip this vital oral care habit.

“Flossing makes up approximately 40 per cent of all the cleaning of your mouth, so if you’re not flossing you can imagine how much you’re leaving behind,” Dr Laird says.

“We see areas in between your teeth as places people often get their very first cavities, and a source of a lot of their ongoing problems – a lot of this can be prevented with flossing.”

Dr Chinotti explains that “cleaning between your teeth is important and flossing is just one of many ways to clean these spaces, as tooth brushing alone will not get into these areas.”

She says options other than regular floss include flossette, interdental brushes and water flossers, and she recommends cleaning between teeth once per day.

#5. Using mouthwash before brushing

It’s a contention that divided the internet recently – should you use mouthwash before or after brushing?

Dr Laird advises brushing first, to remove plaque, and then following up with a mouthwash to maximise the effectiveness of the oral hygiene products used.

However, he says that ordinarily, toothpaste and the correct brushing technique are all you need for effective cleaning.

Dr Davis adds that the Australian Dental Association does not recommend the use of mouthwash within normal oral hygiene practices as it can be drying to the mouth.

“If you are brushing twice a day and cleaning between the teeth once a day, a mouthwash is likely not necessary,” Dr Davis says.

#6. Not going to the dentist

You might not want to hear it, but it is recommended that people visit their dentist for a general check-up every six to 12 months.

This ensures that your teeth stay in good shape and that any issues are caught early before they become painful or difficult to treat.

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Written by Ravisha Rajapaksha.