It’s all to do with the angle of your brush
You might be missing crucial parts of your teeth while brushing, according to a dentist. Dr Benjamin Winters pointed out a common error in most people’s oral hygiene routines – keeping their toothbrush parallel to the ground.
Revealing his “little hack” for a brighter smile, the dentist-turned-orthodontist appeared on Doctor Mike’s YouTube channel. Dr Winters made a startling statement: “You’ve probably been brushing your teeth wrong your entire life.”
Better known as The Bentist to his multitude of online followers, the expert continued: “Most people brush their teeth completely flat, side to side. What you actually want to do is angle (your toothbrush) up at a 45-degree angle and get up underneath the gum tissue.”
He elaborated on how part of the tooth remains “hidden” under the gum line, a spot susceptible to infections and various health problems. When you hold your toothbrush at a precise right angle, “you never clean” this critical section of the tooth.
He recommended angling the toothbrush at 45 degrees and brushing for two minutes. The expert claimed: “Your teeth will be cleaner than they’ve ever been in your entire life.”
Neglecting proper dental care can lead to multiple issues like gum disease, halitosis, and plaque accumulation. More severe forms of gum diseases such as periodontitis might be irreversible and potentially lead to bone damage or tooth loss.
Another effective method for removing plaque from along the gum line is by using dental floss. According to the NHS, it’s best to brush your teeth before flossing, then: “Slip the floss or dental tape between the teeth and into the area between your teeth and gums, as far as it’ll go.
“Floss with eight to 10 strokes, up and down between each tooth, to dislodge food and plaque.” Additionally, the NHS highlights that brushing your teeth twice daily can significantly aid in preventing both gum disease and tooth decay by reducing plaque accumulation.
Furthermore, the NHS draws attention to a common mistake people may have been making their entire lives when brushing their teeth: “After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste. Don’t rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it’ll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste.”
