LifestyleAvoid these common mistakes for a brighter smile

Avoid these common mistakes for a brighter smile

Achieving a pearly white smile requires not only using the right products but also maintaining appropriate habits in daily oral hygiene. The dentist advises when to avoid brushing.

Why do teeth turn yellow?
Why do teeth turn yellow?
Images source: © Adobe Stock
Agnieszka Woźniak

Pursuing a dazzling white smile is a goal for many people who dream of perfect teeth. In the quest for ideal oral hygiene, we invest in expensive whitening toothpastes and modern toothbrushes.

Unfortunately, few of us realize that certain habits can work against us, causing our teeth to become increasingly yellow. Dr. Ferakh Hamid, a dentist with over 20 years of experience, points out the most common mistake that affects the appearance of our smile.

What mistakes do we make when brushing our teeth?

Many people brush their teeth without moistening the bristles of the toothbrush first or right after eating acidic products, such as citrus fruits, which does not help maintain a healthy, white smile. Proper preparation of the toothbrush before use is a crucial element.

Proper toothbrush preparation – How to do it?

Dr. Hamid stresses the importance of dampening the toothbrush bristles before brushing – they should be moistened both before use and after applying toothpaste to ensure even distribution

Without water, the toothpaste does not spread well, which can lead to uneven cleaning of tooth surfaces. This can result in the buildup of toothpaste residue, which promotes discolouration.

Another mistake affecting the health and appearance of our teeth is brushing them right after consuming acidic or spicy products. Dr. Ezzard Rolle, an expert from Columbia University, explains that acidic substances in the mouth can weaken enamel if teeth are brushed immediately after consumption.

Instead of brushing teeth right away, it's better to rinse your mouth with water, which helps with the remineralization of enamel.

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