Newsweek spoke to two dentists who have shared seven mistakes that many Americans make without realizing it.
While it is widely seen as a basic daily habit, research suggests the majority of people are falling short of recommended dental guidelines, potentially putting their oral health at risk. A 2025 YouGov survey found that 3 in 10 Americans brush at least once a day, just over half brush twice daily, and only 10 percent brush three or more times a day.
But that doesn't mean they are brushing the right way.Dr. Sheena Tanna, a clinical director and dentist, and Dr. Alex Seijas, a principal dentist with more than two decades of experience, said they routinely see the same brushing errors repeated by patients and explained how small changes in technique could make a significant difference.Both dentists have shared the most-common brushing mistakes you may be making every day without even realizing it."One of the most common mistakes I still see is people using manual toothbrushes instead of electric ones," Tanna said."In modern"They remove plaque more effectively and help patients maintain a consistent technique. Many also include timers and pressure sensors, which help ensure patients brush for the correct amount of time without damaging their gums."Tanna said that many people believe scrubbing harder will clean their teeth better, but aggressive brushing can push the gums down and cause gum recession. This exposes the neck of the tooth, which does not have enamel protecting it, leading to sensitivity and wear over time. Gentle, controlled brushing is far more effective.Most people know they are supposed to brush regularly, but far fewer realize how long they should be brushing for. Dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes, yet many people stop far earlier.She added:"This means many areas of the mouth are missed, particularly the back teeth, allowing plaque to build up and increasing the risk of gum disease, bad breath and tooth decay.""People often focus on the visible part of the tooth—the crown—but plaque frequently accumulates where the tooth meets the gum," Tanna said."If the toothbrush isn’t angled correctly toward this area, bacteria can build up and lead to gum inflammation and disease."alone is not enough. Bacteria on the tongue can significantly contribute to bad breath, and brushing alone does not clean between teeth. Without interdental cleaning, around a third of the tooth surface is left uncleaned, which is why decay and gum disease often develop between the teeth.Seijas said brushing technique matters just as much as frequency. "Scrubbing horizontally across the teeth misses plaque along the gumline and can traumatize the gums," he said."Technique is more important than force."One of the most-overlooked mistakes happens after brushing is finished. "Rinsing vigorously with water straight after brushing washes away the concentrated fluoride from toothpaste, reducing its protective effect," Seijas said."It’s better to spit, not rinse."Seijas, who focuses exclusively on orthodontics at the London Orthodontic Clinic, shared simple advice on how to brush teeth correctly.Hold the brush at a 45‑degree angle toward the gumline and use gentle, small circular motions rather than scrubbing side to side.After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste but avoid rinsing with water to allow the fluoride to continue protecting the enamel.Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to help produce this story.
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