‘I’m a dentist – here’s a surprising mistake people make that could cause damage’

Many people are aware of the importance of brushing our teeth twice daily.

And depending on your routine, one of these brushes typically occurs in the morning before you get going with your day.

However, a dentist has warned of a mistake “we’re all making” when it comes to this habit, which could actually be damaging our teeth.

Speaking exclusively with Express.co.uk chief clinical officer at My Dentist, Dr Nyree Whitley, advised against brushing your teeth after eating breakfast.

Instead it is safer to brush before eating, she advised.

Dr Whitley explained: “Though eating breakfast can surpass brushing our teeth in our morning routine, it is wise to brush your teeth before you eat to protect your teeth.

“After you’ve eaten, your teeth need a little time to remineralise.

“This is particularly the case when you’re consuming foods or drinks high in acidity such as orange juice or jam.

“If you brush your teeth less than an hour after eating, you’re more at risk of erosion to the enamel of your teeth.”

However, if you prefer to brush after you’ve eaten, Dr Whitley said waiting until an hour afterwards can help “avoid” enamel erosion.

Tooth erosion is different to decay, which is caused by bacteria, but can cause gradual loss of the tooth’s surface.

It can also cause teeth to:

Become discoloured
Become sensitive to heat and cold
Look shorter, due to wearing away
Chip or break more easily
Have sharp edges.

Dr Whitley also advised against some other “common” oral hygiene mistakes.

Using the same toothbrush for too long

Changing your toothbrush regularly will make sure that your teeth can be properly cleaned, she said.

Dr Whitley said: “Over time, the bristles on our toothbrushes soften and aren’t as effective, so you should ideally aim to change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head once every three to four months to prevent this.”

Not staying properly hydrated

“While remaining hydrated can offer a host of wider health benefits, it can also go a long way to protect your oral health,” she advised.

“When we don’t get enough hydration, our mouths can become dry which creates an environment in which bacteria can thrive more, and could lead to damage such as decay.

“Drinking water will help to flush out food particles and bacteria from the teeth, particularly after eating meals.”

Rushing through routine

Brushing your teeth too fast can mean that you’re not actually cleaning your teeth properly, or that you could injure your gums or teeth, Dr Whitley warned.

“To avoid this, brush your teeth for two minutes at a time, twice a day.

“If you’re struggling to squeeze the time in, try playing a song that is two minutes long, or set a timer on your phone for ease.”