Not brushing teeth properly could cause a need for emergency dentistry in the same way as skipping brushing altogether.
This is according to Texan cosmetic dentistry expert Dr Jonathan Golab, who said he sees lots of patients who do not clean their teeth in the correct way.
"By focusing on key brushing methods, overall oral health improvements can be seen," he commented.
The most common mistake Dr Golab highlighted is stopping too soon, with at least two minutes the recommended brushing time.
Using a timer and focusing on a few teeth at a time may help with this.
Another brushing error is related to angles – Dr Goab said 45 degrees is best for plaque removal, but the brush should be tilted higher behind the teeth to clean them properly using sharp strokes.
The British Dental Health Foundation states that toothbrushes should be changed every two to three months, or when the bristles are damaged.
