31 May 2023 , 16:59
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You'd think that by now we'd all know how to brush our teeth.
But according to an expert, many of us have been making a big mistake when it comes looking after our gnashers.
A cosmetic dentist has shared some of the common errors he sees people making when cleaning their teeth, and it's likely you might be guilty of one or two of them.
According to Dr Sahil Patel, one of the biggest blunders you can make is to wet your toothbrush before adding toothpaste to it.
Dr Sahil Patel shared his top teeth tips (Marylebone Smile Clinic)The expert, who is the founder of Marylebone Smile Clinic, explained: "If you wet the toothbrush before you put the toothpaste on, you're diluting it.
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"Toothpaste already has the right amount of moisture. If it's wet, it makes it foam up faster and makes you spit it out sooner."
He went on to say that he recommends starting your clean from the back of your teeth.
"I'd recommend starting at the back first, which is often the hardest part to clean," he said.
"If you start at the front and do the back last, you're more likely to stop and put it down, missing the back or not cleaning the back properly."
And if you were thinking of stocking up on dental floss, the pro urges you to think again and opt for interdental brushes instead.
"The bristles that clean between the teeth can get to corners and tricky areas that the toothbrush can't get to clean our plaque, this makes them more effective than floss and they come in many shapes and sizes to ensure a good fit," he added.
This comes after Dr Patel told The Mirror that there are certain outfits you should never wear to dentist appointments.
"Try to avoid clothes that are valuable or sentimental as they can be damaged/stained with the water and/or coloured dental materials," he said.
"Try to wear patterned or dark colours, and avoid wearing your work shirt if you're on your lunch break! Avoid turtle necks and high-collared shirts."
According to the pro, gym, and loungewear clothes are ideal for dentist appointments.
Clothes you should never wear to a dentist appointment, according to an expert