Brushing your teeth—seems pretty simple, right? Most of us have been doing it since we were toddlers. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions and myths out there that not only make toothbrushing less effective, but can open you up to severe potential health risks. Here are the top 7 myths that confound toothbrushers everywhere:

Myth #1: All toothbrushes are the same

Not all toothbrushes are created equal. The size, shape, and bristle-type of your toothbrush are all important factors. Using a brush with a smaller head is generally better, since it allows you to brush hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Toothbrushes with extra-soft bristles are likewise usually the best choice—the soft bristles are gentler on gums and tooth enamel. Hard or medium bristled toothbrushes can cause your gums to bleed if you overbrush, and are best if used for dentures.

Electric toothbrushes are more expensive, but more effective than manual toothbrushes. People who use electric toothbrushes tend to have cleaner teeth and healthier gums; they are also easier to use for people with limited mobility.

Myth #2: You only need to brush your teeth for about a minute

Most people brush for an average of only 45 seconds! However, the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes. When you brush your teeth, think of it as scrubbing a dirty pot—just lightly touching a pot with a scrub brush isn’t enough to clean it. Brushing plaque off your teeth requires more time and effort than is possible in 45 seconds.

If you have trouble brushing for a full two minutes, you can try one of these tips:
Set a timer or buy an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer
Turn on a song that lasts about two minutes
Divide your mouth into four quadrants—top right, top left, bottom right, and bottom left—and brush each one for 30 seconds

Myth #3: There is no wrong way to brush your teeth

Did you know that there is a proper angle you should use when brushing your teeth? Your toothbrush should be at a 45-degree angle inside your mouth. This allows you to clean both your mouth and the area directly under your gum. Brushing side-to-side or just straight up and down doesn’t remove plaque as effectively and can lead to further problems.

When in a rush, many people brush their teeth too aggressively, thinking that extra force will make their teeth cleaner or whiter. Brushing too hard can cause receding gums, tooth sensitivity, tooth loss, and enamel loss. If your toothbrush looks worn out and flat, it can be a sign that you are over brushing. Gentle pressure is sufficient to thoroughly clean your teeth.

Myth #4: Fluoride-free toothpaste is better for your teeth

Contrary to some conspiracies, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. It can be found in most water sources, such as lakes, rivers, and the ocean. It is essentially nature’s cavity fighter, and has been proven to be safe, effective, and healthy by more than a thousand studies. In recent years, fluoride has been added to most water supplies in cities across America.

When choosing a toothpaste, look for one with fluoride in it, and use that toothpaste daily. You only need to use a small amount—no larger than a pea. Since consuming too much fluoride can cause white spots to appear on developing teeth, children should use about a rice-sized amount of toothpaste.

Myth #5: Sharing toothbrushes with someone else is fine

It’s always better to use your own toothbrush. Using another person’s toothbrush can expose you to all sorts of oral and general health problems, even if that person is your spouse or partner. Since brushing can sometimes cause the gums to bleed, using a shared toothbrush could lead to serious blood-borne diseases, like HIV and hepatitis B, as well as oral infections like periodontal disease. Since toothbrushes are generally pretty cheap, it is better to get your own.

If you don’t have access to your own toothbrush, you can disinfect someone else’s by sticking the toothbrush in a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar for 10 minutes.

Myth #6: Brush as soon as you’re done eating

Brushing your teeth right after a meal sounds like a good idea, right? Funnily enough, brushing directly after eating can actually remove your tooth enamel. Many foods—especially at breakfast—contain acids that weaken your enamel. Waiting to brush your teeth gives your saliva time to naturally wash off food particles and help your mouth return to its natural pH level.

If you want to clean your mouth right after a meal, try chewing sugar-free gum, drinking water, or using mouthwash.

Myth #7: If you brush well enough, you can avoid regular dental check-ups

Even if you have good brushing habits, it is still a good idea to visit Dr. Stallings for a regular checkup at least twice a year. It is almost impossible to remove all plaque just by brushing and flossing. Plaque can build up and eventually become tartar, which is very difficult to remove without professional cleaning. The tartar can eventually cause gum disease and other oral health problems.

Dentists are also trained to check for signs of gingivitis, decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Catching these issues early on can prevent more serious problems from developing.

If you have any questions about other toothbrushing misconceptions, call Stallings Dental and schedule an appointment. Dr. Stallings can bust other popular toothbrushing myths you have questions about and help you protect your teeth.