The common toothbrushing mistakes ruining your teeth

Skipping the mirror, brushing right after coffee, using an old toothbrush and forgetting to floss—these common mistakes could be harming your pearly whites

Dr. Natalie Fromkin|
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential, yet many people struggle with effective brushing despite years of instruction from dentists, hygienists and even childhood books like Karius and Bactus. The ever-evolving selection of toothbrushes and toothpaste can also be overwhelming. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Missing key areas
Proper brushing requires cleaning all surfaces of the teeth: the outer (cheek-facing) side, the inner (tongue-facing) side and the chewing surface. Dentists recommend dividing the mouth into four quadrants and brushing systematically. Starting from the back teeth and working forward ensures thorough coverage. Additionally, brushing the tongue with a toothbrush or tongue scraper helps reduce bacteria and bad breath.
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צחצוח שיניים עם ילדים
צחצוח שיניים עם ילדים
(Photo: Shutterstock)
2. Not using a mirror
Toothbrush positioning is crucial—manual brushes should be angled at 45 degrees toward the gumline, using circular motions. Electric toothbrushes perform the motion automatically, but visual control is still important. Brushing in front of a mirror ensures all areas are cleaned effectively, unlike brushing in the shower, which may seem convenient but can lead to missed spots.
3. Brushing too quickly
Brushing should last two minutes, twice daily, ideally after meals. Morning brushing is best done after breakfast rather than before, keeping the mouth clean until the next meal. However, brushing immediately after consuming acidic drinks like coffee or orange juice can damage enamel, so it is advisable to wait before brushing.
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4. Not replacing the toothbrush on time
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing toothbrushes or electric brush heads every three months, but bristles that fray earlier should be replaced sooner. Factors such as brushing pressure and the number of teeth influence wear. Studies suggest electric toothbrushes are generally more effective than manual ones, but proper technique is what ultimately matters.
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צחצוח שיניים
צחצוח שיניים
(Photo: Shutterstock)
5. Choosing the wrong toothpaste
Fluoride is the key ingredient in toothpaste, reducing the risk of cavities. For adults, the recommended fluoride concentration is 1,450 ppm. Specialized toothpaste exists for conditions like gum sensitivity, often containing numbing agents or mechanical barriers to reduce discomfort. Whitening toothpaste typically lacks sufficient bleaching agents, making professional whitening a more effective option.
6. Skipping flossing
Brushing alone is not enough—dental floss or interdental brushes are necessary to clean between teeth, preventing gum disease and decay in hard-to-reach areas. Regular interdental cleaning significantly reduces the risk of inflammation and gum-related tooth loss.
  • The author is a periodontal specialist and director at the Macabident Pardes Hanna clinic.
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