The most common tooth-brushing mistakes
Brushing too hard, too briefly and side to side: habits that harm the gums, and the right brushing technique.
Most of us brush twice a day, yet much of the gum recession we see at check-ups comes from poor technique. These are the three mistakes we see most:
1. Brushing too hard
Hard brushing does not clean better; it wears enamel and pushes the gums back. A soft brush and light pressure are enough.
2. Not long enough
Brushing should take at least two minutes. Most of us stop after 30–45 seconds. Dividing the mouth into four zones of 30 seconds each helps.
3. Side-to-side scrubbing
Scrubbing back and forth wears the gum margin. Use small circular movements instead.
The right technique
- Angle the brush at 45 degrees to the gum line.
- Brush with short, gentle, circular movements.
- Don’t skip the inner and chewing surfaces.
- Brush your tongue too.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes.
Choosing a brush
Choose a soft or medium brush and replace it when the bristles splay, or every three months at the latest. Electric brushes, especially those with pressure sensors, are a good option if you tend to press hard.
