Life Hack: How to brush your teeth correctly and the mistakes to avoid

Afterwards, I reached out to the dental hygienist for more of her insights and to share the best ways to keep our teeth and mouths squeaky clean.

What is the correct way to brush your teeth?

The right way to brush will greatly depend on the type of toothbrush you are using. For instance, with a manual option, we suggest putting the bristles at a 45-degree angle towards the gums and making small circular motions as you slowly move from one section to the next.

Electric brushes will all vary just a bit with technique depending on the shape, size and motion of the bristles. I find the Burst brushes to be the least technique-sensitive because the bristles are incredibly soft, allowing them to conform to the shape of your teeth and dental work. Since they are moving as a very fast past with sonic vibrations, you simply 'slide and glide' your way across each tooth.

No matter the type of brush you have, spend about 30 seconds in each quadrant of your mouth, cleaning the front, tongue facing and chewing surfaces equally. That will get you to the recommended two-minute brushing session. Bonus points if you go over, but we know the average time is around 35 to 40 seconds.

What are the common mistakes people make?

I’ve consistently noticed that people brush too fast and too aggressively, scrubbing their teeth as if they are cleaning pots and pans. Although your enamel is really strong, you can cause quite a bit of damage to your teeth, gums and dental work if you are going at it too hard. Stiff bristles, abrasive toothpaste, and scrubbing back and forth in a hurry are my top warnings.

What's the difference between regular flossing and water flossing?

I prefer to find ways for people to 'clean in between' since string floss is just one of many options for getting to those areas where the toothbrush can’t reach. String floss, interdental brushes and water flossers are all really effective if used correctly. Even though I prefer a textured floss to mechanically remove plaque, the water flosser really comes in handy as well. If someone cannot use string floss due to dexterity issues, braces, awkward spaces, or dental work like crowns, bridges etc., the water flosser is a must have. It blasts out food, germs and plaque using a high-powered stream of water. My best tip is to find something that works for your unique mouth and needs and use it daily.

What should we know about teeth whitening?

The products you use and how often depend on your stain level now, and how quickly it returns. For instance, if you have porous teeth, a dry mouth, and sip black coffee all day, you’ll need a stronger product initially, followed by gentle daily maintenance like a whitening pen or dissolvable strip. For someone that only has the occasional latte and lots of protective saliva, they may need to whiten only now and then.

My top tips for maintaining a nice bright smile: Keep them clean, keep them hydrated (swish with water after anything that stains) and work with your dental professional to find the best toothpaste for you that you can brush on and leave on before bed.

What about general dental health?

Generally a trip to the dentist/hygienist every six months is recommended for a healthy mouth. That schedule allows them to clean your teeth, and check for troubles before they become symptomatic. Since cavities and infections don’t hurt in the early stages, I can’t stress how important it is to let them 'look under the hood' on a regular basis. For someone with active decay or periodontal disease, they’ll likely need to go in more often to prevent things from getting worse.

Anything else we should know?

Your mouth is literally connected to the rest of your body and HOW you take care of your teeth and gums now can have a dramatic impact on your overall health and wellness. Our team spends a lot of time educating the public on the oral systemic link and honestly, I think it’s one of the most important and impactful things we do.