Common mistakes you're making when cleaning your teeth including not brushing for long enough

You might not think much about your brushing routine, but your mistakes could be damaging your teeth.

Many people make simple mistakes while brushing their teeth, such as not using enough water and applying toothpaste directly to their teeth, leading to staining and other dental problems.

The issue is worsened by the fact that more than 12 million people in the UK were unable to access NHS dental care last year, with 1 in 4 adults in England affected.

In fact, 90% of dental practices are no longer accepting new NHS adult patients, and data from the House of Commons Library showed that 40% of children didn't have their recommended annual check-up last year. Despite funding for dental services being at an all-time low, there are things you can do to take care of your teeth and avoid common mistakes. Here are some top tips to help you maintain good oral health.

It might seem innocent, but not brushing for long enough can damage your teeth severely. Despite the recommended time being 4 minutes a day, the Academy of General Dentistry found the average person only brushes for 45 to 70 seconds a day. This means that many people are not giving their teeth the TLC they deserve.

Payal Bhalla, lead dentist and clinical director of Quest Dental explained why it's important to brush your teeth for the recommended amount of time. She told The Metro: "This is because you need to ensure you are brushing each tooth effectively and removing any plaque and food debris, and this can take two minutes if not longer."

Studies have also found that many people tend to rush through the process of brushing their teeth, often using excessive force and pressure. However, it's important to understand that such a habit can cause more harm than good. According to Bhalla, brushing too hard can cause damage to the enamel of the tooth, leading to tooth sensitivity, gum issues, and even receding or bleeding gums. Therefore, it's crucial to pay attention to the motions, directions, and pressure while brushing.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for healthy teeth and gums. However, if you're constantly using the same brushing technique every day, you may be missing out on cleaning certain areas of your mouth, which could lead to dental problems in the long run. Whether it's starting with a different part of your mouth or focusing on areas you usually neglect, changing your brushing routine can help ensure that all areas of your mouth are being cleaned properly.

According to Bhalla, it's essential to switch up your brushing technique from time to time. She added: "You may have to start focusing on your brushing, but this will ensure that the teeth are being cleaned properly and no areas are missing out."

When it comes to oral hygiene, most tend to focus on brushing their teeth but forget about other areas of the mouth, such as the tongue and inner cheeks. These areas can harbour a significant amount of bacteria, food particles, and dead cells, which, if ignored, can lead to various dental problems.

According to Dr Daz Singh, a lead dentist and clinical director for Ollie and Darsh Liverpool, neglecting to brush the tongue and inner cheeks can allow bacteria to thrive, leading to bad breath, plaque formation, and other oral health issues.

He said: "Neglecting the inner cheeks while brushing might lead to the build-up of plaque along the gum line. This can contribute to gum inflammation and, over time, may lead to more serious conditions such as gingivitis or periodontitis."