Dentist warns against four common brushing mistakes

Dr Mark Burhenne, a dentist based in California, US, with more than four decades of experience, has warned that minor mistakes in brushing technique can lead to long-term oral damage, expensive procedures and even systemic health issues. He shared his warning in an Instagram post on June 19, as reported by Hindustan Times.

"Never do these 4 things when you brush your teeth," Dr Burhenne told his followers. He offered a positive outlook for those who correct the habits: "Avoid doing these four things, and you will notice a big difference (and your teeth will be much healthier)."

Mistake one: the 'sawing' motion

Many people aggressively scrub their teeth horizontally, a habit Dr Burhenne said can damage both enamel and gums. He recommends a gentler approach instead. "Do not use a sawing back and forth motion. Only brush in gentle circles," he said, adding, "If you use an electric, the circles' motion is done for you — hold the brush gently on each tooth and let it do the work."

Mistake two: rinsing too soon

While spitting out excess toothpaste is correct, Dr Burhenne said rinsing the mouth with water immediately afterwards washes away the toothpaste's benefits. "Do not rinse afterwards. If you're using a nano-hydroxyapatite or fluoride toothpaste (I don't recommend the latter), you need those ingredients to sit on the teeth to work their magic; if you rinse, then they're gone," he said. He explained that the therapeutic ingredients need time to bond with the enamel.

Mistake three: stiff bristles, old brushes

When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, firmer bristles are not better, according to Dr Burhenne. He also warned against keeping a toothbrush until it frays. "Do not use medium bristles. Use extra soft only. People really underestimate how sharp bristles are and how much damage they can do," he said.

He added that toothbrushes need replacing far sooner than most people assume. "You also need to replace those extra soft bristles every four to six weeks. Waiting months or even years to replace them causes cavities, sensitivities, and gum recession," he said.

Mistake four: skipping professional cleanings

With rising living costs, some people may view dental visits as optional, particularly if their insurance coverage lapses. Dr Burhenne strongly advises against this, noting that oral health is closely linked to the rest of the body.

"Do not skip teeth cleanings even if you lose your dental insurance. Those dental cleanings have a direct impact on how clear your skin is, your heart and brain health, your blood sugar levels, and more," he warned.

He suggested prioritising dental visits over other discretionary spending to avoid bigger health and financial costs later. "Skip a haircut or two and pay cash for the cleaning — otherwise, your whole body suffers, and it could be more expensive in the long run to not do this simple maintenance," Dr Burhenne concluded.

Note to readers: this report is based on user-generated content from social media. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.