Avoiding brushing your teeth after acidic food – it can break down enamel and expose the yellow beneath (Image: Getty Images)Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeKeeping your smile bright and white isn’t always easy, especially with age. But one dentist has highlighted a simple but widespread mistake that could be putting a damper on those pearly whites. Dr. Ferakh Hamid from Aesthetique Dental Care shared his insight: “Before you start brushing, it’s a good idea to wet your toothbrush. This little step makes it easier to spread the toothpaste all over your teeth, making cleaning more effective.” He added that it’s vital for a deep clean, and said: “Also, when you wet the bristles, they soften up. This means when you brush, it’s gentler on your gums and teeth, helping to avoid any irritation or damage. So, remember, a quick splash of water on your brush can make a big difference in keeping your mouth clean.”
Keeping your teeth white isn’t difficult if you avoid some simple things in the bathroom
(Image: Getty Images)
The dental pro warned about common toothbrushing errors that Brits are making when it comes to keeping those gnashers bright. “Brushing your teeth in certain ways, like without water or right after eating acidic foods, might actually make them look less white over time. Dry brushing might seem good for getting rid of surface stains at first, but without water, toothpaste doesn’t spread well, leading to dull teeth.” He advises on timing and technique to protect our grins. “Also, brushing too soon after eating acidic foods can wear down your tooth enamel. This reveals the yellower layer beneath and makes your teeth look more yellow. This shows why brushing the right way and at the right time is key to maintaining the natural colour and shine of your teeth,” reports the Express.
Avoiding brushing your teeth after acidic food – it can break down enamel and expose the yellow beneath
(Image: Getty Images)
“The acid softens the enamel, which might lead to sensitive teeth or make them change colour. To avoid this, it’s better to wait a while after eating acidic foods before you brush, ensuring your enamel stays strong and your teeth stay healthy.” He advised: “For fresh breath and a healthy mouth, it’s important to have a good cleaning routine. This means brushing your teeth and gums softly for two minutes twice a day, using products like antimicrobial mouthwash or toothpaste to fight off germs, visiting your dentist regularly, cleaning your tongue every day, and taking care of any dentures you might have. Keeping up with these steps will help prevent dental problems and keep your mouth feeling great.”Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnHealth
