Hey Lykkers! We all brush our teeth every day, but have you ever wondered why some of us still get cavities or bleeding gums? Maybe you've heard your dentist say, “You're not brushing properly,” and thought, “But I brush seriously!” If that sounds like you, don't worry—you're not alone!
Today, let's go through the right way to brush, common mistakes, and how to keep our teeth clean and healthy with the least effort.
Why Do We Brush? It's More Than Just Fresh Breath!
After we eat, tiny bacteria in our mouths feast on leftover food particles. They release acids and toxins that form plaque—a sticky, yellowish layer on our teeth and gums. If left unchecked, this can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Cavities happen when bacteria turn sugar into acid, which slowly eats away at our tooth enamel, eventually causing pain and sensitivity.
Gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, occurs when bacteria trigger inflammation in our gums. If it gets serious, it can lead to skeletal loss and even affect overall health.
But don't worry! The good news is that with the right brushing techniques, we can prevent most dental problems before they even start.
5 Simple But Essential Brushing Tips
To keep our teeth in top shape, we need to remove bacteria effectively. Here are five must-follow steps to brushing properly.
1. When & How to Brush
🕒 Best Times to Brush:
• After waking up
• After meals (but not immediately—wait 30 minutes!)
• Before bed
📌 Order Matters:
• Start from one side and move to the other
• Brush top teeth first, then the bottom
Why does timing matter? Overnight, our saliva production slows down, which allows bacteria to grow. Brushing in the morning clears away the overnight buildup and gives us fresh breath for the day.
After eating, food particles and acids remain in our mouth. However, brushing right away can actually harm enamel, especially after acidic foods. That's why dentists recommend waiting at least 30 minutes before brushing.
Lastly, brushing before bed is crucial because our mouth is inactive while we sleep, making it the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. A good nighttime brush keeps our teeth protected overnight.
2. Popular Brushing Methods: Which One Works Best?
🦷 Bass Method (Most Recommended)
• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle
• Use small, gentle back-and-forth strokes along the gumline
🌀 Circular Method
• Move the brush in small circular motions over all tooth surfaces
🎭 Scrubbing (Not Recommended!)
• Brushing aggressively with straight movements can damage gums and enamel
For those who've heard of the “333 Rule,” it means:
• Brush after every meal
• Wait 30 minutes after eating before brushing
• Brush for at least 3 minutes
3. Choosing the Right Toothbrush
With so many toothbrushes out there, which one is best? Here's what to look for:
✅ Small Brush Head – Reaches deep into the back of the mouth
✅ Soft Bristles – Gentle on gums, yet effective at cleaning
✅ Comfortable Handle – Helps with proper grip and control
If you wear braces or have special dental needs, extra tools like orthodontic brushes can help.
4. Extra Cleaning Tools: Do We Really Need Them?
Yes! Brushing alone isn't enough to remove all plaque. Here's what can help:
🧵 Flossing – Removes food stuck between teeth. Waxed floss is easier for beginners, while unwaxed floss cleans better.
🌿 Interdental Brushes – Great for wider gaps between teeth or cleaning around braces.
🌀 Mouthwash – A good option for extra freshness, but be cautious. Some contain strong chemicals that might stain teeth or cause irritation. Choose an alcohol-free formula if you have sensitive gums.
5. The Truth About Toothpaste
Many of us believe that the more toothpaste we use, the cleaner our teeth will be. But actually, brushing technique matters more than the amount of toothpaste.
⚠️ Be Careful with Brightening Toothpaste!
Many brightening toothpastes contain abrasive particles that, over time, can create tiny scratches on teeth. These micro-damages can trap bacteria and stains, making teeth more prone to discoloration. If you love using brightening toothpaste, limit it to once a week.
5 Common Brushing Mistakes We Should Avoid
Even if we brush daily, we might be making some mistakes without realizing it! Let's check if we've been doing any of these:
🚫 Brushing Too Hard
• More pressure doesn't mean cleaner teeth!
• Too much force can wear down enamel and cause gum recession.
🚫 Missing the Gum Line & Inner Surfaces
• Many people only clean the outer parts of their teeth but forget the gum line and the inside surfaces.
• Make sure to brush all areas, including the tongue side of our teeth!
🚫 Random Brushing Order
• Brushing in a scattered way increases the risk of missing spots.
• Follow a fixed pattern to ensure thorough cleaning.
🚫 Brushing Right After Eating
• Acidic food softens enamel, making it vulnerable to damage.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
🚫 Using Too Much Toothpaste
• More foam doesn't mean a better clean!
• Focus on brushing technique rather than the amount of toothpaste.
Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles!
Lykkers, how many of these mistakes have we made? It's okay—even if we've been brushing the wrong way, the important thing is that we start improving now! Brushing correctly doesn't take extra time, just a little extra attention.
And don't forget—besides good brushing habits, visiting the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning will help keep our teeth in top shape.
So, let's take care of our smiles together! Have any brushing tips or stories to share? Drop them in the comments! 😊
