IT’S part of our daily routines and you might think you’ve got the technique down when it comes to teeth brushing.
But one dentist has warned that you could actually be cleaning your pearly whites all wrong.
tiktok/annapetersondentalDentist Anna Peterson said that people might not be using an electric toothbrush the right way[/caption]
Taking to TikTok, dentist Anna Peterson said those of you who use an electric toothbrush should take note.
Posting to the social media platform, she said you should never scrub your teeth clean with an electric toothbrush.
She explained: “Imagine you’ve taken your car to a car wash.
“If you were to drive really quickly through the car wash, your car is not going to be clean.
“Now you could just keep going backwards and forwards, and your car would be a bit cleaner.
“But if you park your car up and let the bristles of the car wash do the job, your car is going to be very clean.”
She said this is exactly the same principle you should think of when it comes to using an electric toothbrush.
“Go slower, let the brush do its job,” she added.
Another expert previous said that you should avoid brushing your teeth too hard, as this could cause more harm than good.
Dentist Dr Alfonso Rao, or Define Clinic, Beaconsfield, Bucks said that it’s essential to find a balance between brushing effectively and not applying too much pressure, as this can cause detrimental effects and damage the enamel surface of the teeth.
“The aim when brushing our teeth is to remove any plaque that can build up normally within 24 hours.
“This can be done by gently massaging the teeth and gums.
“Brushing too hard can cause harm to the soft tissues and tooth surface.
“Only a gentle pressure should be applied – electric toothbrushes work very well as most of them now have light activators that will show red if you’re brushing too hard”, he added.
His comments echo that of cosmetic dentist and Real Housewives of Cheshire star, Dr Hannah Kinsella who said the way you’re brushing your teeth could make a difference when it comes to their health and whiteness.
She said: “Instead of brushing teeth aggressively with a hard grip – which can be a natural response – try to hold your toothbrush at the very end and use a grip as if you’re holding a pen.
“This will reduce pressure to the brush and the teeth, therefore protecting them from damage. All of these things can contribute to whiter teeth!”