What Most People Get Wrong About Brushing Their Teeth

Brushing teeth daily habit and yet many common mistakes happen without being noticed. From brushing too hard to choosing the wrong timing or technique, these small errors can slowly damage enamel and can irritate the gums instead of protecting them.



Brushing too hard on the enamel of the teeth and gums by eroding the protective enamel and causes gum recession that leads to sensitivity and decay.

Aggressive brushing wears down the enamel, the tough protective outer layer of the tooth. Once enamel is lost, it does not regenerate, exposing the softer yellowish dentin layer underneath.

Excessive pressure damages delicate gum tissue that causes it to pull away from the teeth and expose the sensitive tooth roots. This recession is often irreversible that can lead to periodontal issues.

Exposed dentin and roots increases sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods because the nerve endings are closer to the surface.

• Some effective brushing involves modifying the technique and tools and not just brushing more often or harder.
• Going for a soft bristled toothbrush, manual or electric and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
• Position the brush at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line to target hidden plaque.
• Avoiding aggressive scrubbing that can damage enamel and gums and let the brush do the work.
• Timing and ensuring all surfaces like front, back and chewing are covered thoroughly.
• Flossing that reaches the spots that brush cannot while brushing the tongue with bad breath.
• After brushing spit out the excess toothpaste but avoiding rinsing with water to allow the fluoride to stay on the teeth for maximum protection.
• Changing the toothbrush or brush head every three to four months, sooner if the bristles are frayed.

Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!

1. What is the most common oral hygiene problem?
   Untreated dental caries (tooth decay) in permanent teeth is the most common health condition according to the Global Burden of Disease 2021. Prevention and treatment for oral health conditions is expensive and usually not part of national universal health coverage (UHC) benefit packages.
2. What nationality has the healthiest teeth?
   Denmark is often cited as a country with exemplary dental health. Danish citizens have some of the healthiest teeth globally, attributed to widespread practices of good oral hygiene and a strong dental health system.
3. Which country has the worst bad breath?
   Which countries reported most bad breath? Asian countries reported bad breath when describing their oral health more commonly than elsewhere in the world, with the worst in Japan, 34%. Brazil reported the least, just 8%. In Europe, bad breath is most common in Italy, 15% and least in the UK, 10%.