1. You're brushing at the wrong time.

You shouldn't brush immediately after eating, as it can damage your teeth. This is especially true if you ate acidic foods, which could weaken your tooth enamel. Before you brush, make sure that you drink a glass of water to rinse the acids away. Wait 30 minutes after eating before you start brushing. And before bedtime, always brush your teeth. Keep in mind that saliva flow while you sleep is very slow, putting your teeth in a vulnerable state. When there's not enough saliva in the mouth, the bacteria in your mouth produce acids that make it a lot easier to form cavities. Dr. Michael Hopkins recommends brushing your teeth before sleeping.

2. You're using the wrong toothbrush.

Brushing with firm bristles can cause more harm than good to your teeth. Instead, use soft bristles, especially if you have sensitive teeth. When the bristles start to fray, you should get a new toothbrush. You must also avoid brush too hard, even with soft bristles. Putting too much pressure on your teeth can actually weaken your enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. If you're utilizing an electronic toothbrush, you should only guide it around your teeth. If you're not sure about how much pressure to apply when brushing, you may ask your dentist at your next appointment.

3. You're not flossing.

Flossing is vital in maintaining your oral health. It's understandable if you can't floss after every meal. However, make sure that you floss before bedtime. Flossing once a day is enough to remove food particles sticking between your teeth.

4. You're not brushing your inner tooth surfaces.

It's true that your front teeth are responsible for your dazzling smile. But, when it comes to brushing your teeth, you should include the inner surfaces of your teeth, especially those areas that your tongue presses against. It's also important to include brushing or scraping your tongue after every brushing. Your tongue contains a lot of bacteria from eating and drinking. Halitosis usually originates on the tongue, making it extremely important to clean your tongue.

5. You're not rinsing your toothbrush.

You should rinse your toothbrush after brushing because cavity-causing and bad-breath-inducing bacteria can still grow on your un-rinsed toothbrush. Rinse your toothbrush after using it to remove toothpaste and food debris. Every three months, make sure to replace your toothbrush. If you own an electric toothbrush, ensure to change its head after three months.These are not the only mistakes that people make when they brush their teeth. If you commit one or some of them, you need to rectify your brushing habits to keep your white, beautiful smile.

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