90% of people brush their teeth wrong – Are you one of them?
Mistake #1: Brushing too hard
Many people believe harder brushing = cleaner teeth. Completely wrong.
Brushing too hard causes:
- •Irreversible enamel wear
- •Permanent gum recession
- •Chronic tooth sensitivity
The right way: Use gentle pressure with small circular motions. Quick test: if your toothbrush bristles are flattened after 1 month, you're brushing too hard.
Mistake #2: Brushing too fast
The average Vietnamese person spends 45 seconds brushing. The time you actually need: 2 minutes.
The right way: Divide your mouth into 4 sections (inner/outer × upper/lower) and spend 30 seconds on each. Use a timer or a 2-minute song to keep track.
Mistake #3: Only brushing the outer surfaces
The inner surfaces of your teeth (the tongue side) are where plaque builds up the most, yet they get the least attention.
The right way: Brush all 3 surfaces: outer → inner → chewing surfaces
Mistake #4: Rinsing right after brushing
The fluoride in toothpaste needs time to absorb into your enamel. Rinsing immediately washes it all away.
The right way: Spit out the toothpaste but don't rinse (or rinse just once, lightly). Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
Mistake #5: Skipping dental floss
A toothbrush only cleans about 60% of your tooth surfaces. The remaining 40% (the spaces between teeth) can only be reached with floss.
The right way: Use dental floss or a water flosser once a day, ideally before bed.
Mistake #6: Brushing right after eating
After a meal, acids from food temporarily soften your enamel. Brushing right away can wear it down.
The right way: Wait 30 minutes after eating before you brush. You can rinse with plain water right after your meal.
The proper brushing checklist
- •✅ Soft-bristled brush with a small head
- •✅ Fluoride toothpaste
- •✅ Brush for at least 2 minutes
- •✅ Hold the brush at a 45° angle to the gumline
- •✅ Gentle, circular motions
- •✅ Brush the inner and chewing surfaces too
- •✅ Don't rinse right after brushing
- •✅ Floss once a day
- •✅ Replace your toothbrush every 3 months
No matter how well you brush, you still need a professional scaling every 6 months at a dental clinic to remove the plaque and tartar that can't be cleaned at home.
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