We’re told from an early age to brush our teeth twice a day, but do we know how to do it properly?
Brushing is just one of the many rituals we’ve been taught to observe to preserve our pearly whites, and while it might seem like a basic task, there is more to it than meets the eye—and getting it wrong could have serious consequences.
From keeping your toothbrush safe from bacteria—hint: that neighboring toilet seat is not your friend— to why you should never rinse your toothpaste-coated mouth, Simon Enever, the founder of trendy electric toothbrush company Quip, and dentist Dr. Mark Burhenne reveal their tips for truly healthy brushing.
BRUSH TWICE EVERY DAY
It sounds elementary, yet a shocking half of the US population doesn’t observe this well-known bit of dental wisdom.
Brushing your teeth before bed is especially important because plaque forms most easily during sleep. Bits of leftover food, combined with the fact that your mouth is drier at night than during the day, create a particularly plaque-friendly environment.
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So brushing away food debris before you sleep, and then removing any plaque that was able to form overnight when waking in the morning, is crucial.
BRUSH BEFORE YOU EAT
Most of us believe we should brush our teeth after a meal, and while this is partly true, there are times when it is best to brush them before a meal.
Eating food, particularly acidic food, can soften the enamel temporarily. Brushing teeth while the enamel is softened in this way can wear it away more easily.
This can, in turn, lead to sensitive teeth and expose the yellow dentin below the enamel (this explains why the base of your teeth might look more yellow than the rest).
So make sure to brush…