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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Health
Courtney Pochin & Daniela Loffreda

Top dentist's warning over common brushing mistake made by millions

A cosmetic dentist has told of some of the common mistakes that people make when brushing their teeth. According to Dr Sahil Patel, one of the biggest errors - that a lot of people are guilty of - is adding water to your toothbrush before popping the toothpaste on.

This is a common tactic adopted by many, but Dr Patel claims it has no benefit, in fact, it could even be making things worse, reports the Mirror. The founder of Marylebone Smile Clinic explained: "If you wet the toothbrush before you put the toothpaste on, you're diluting it. 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

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"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. 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.

According to the pro, gym and loungewear clothes are also ideal for dentist appointments.

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