You’ve been brushing your teeth all wrong – here’s the place you must never do it
WE all know that the best way to keep our pearly whites gleaming is to give them a good brush.
But sometimes those two minutes which the NHS says you need to get them properly clean can seem endless.
Whether it’s to save time or water, many of us choose to kill two birds with one stone and brush our nashers in the shower.
And in such a fast-paced environment, it’s no wonder we are trying to save time.
But Payal Bhalla, lead dentist and clinical director of Quest Dental, said combining these two tasks may not be the best thing for your health.
The moist and warm conditions in your shower can lead to all sorts of issues you might not have thought about, she told Metro.
Reasons you should NEVER brush your teeth in the shower
- It can make your toothbrush less effective
Though your hot shower can be super comforting – especially in cold weather – it may not do wonders to your toothbrush, Payal said.
The hot water can break down its bristles, making them less effective at cleaning your teeth.
2. It can lead to cross contamination
Using the same water source to clean your mouth and body can lead to cross contamination, Payal warns.
Germs can pass on from other parts of your body to your mouth, which could potentially compromise your immune system.
And if you’re sharing a house and shower with someone else, their bacteria could also end up on your toothbrush.
3. Bacteria can build up
Payal says: “The showerhead can harbour bacteria, and when you brush your teeth under the showerhead, you may be exposing your toothbrush to those bacteria, again increasing your likelihood of illness.”
Leaving your toothbrush in the shower is also a major no-no, as bacteria can build up on your toothbrush and lead to oral health issues.
It’s best to keep it in a dry, clean place “away from potential sources of contamination, such as the toilet or sink”, Payal said.
4. You’re probably not saving water
You’d think merging your morning routine would cut your water usage just a bit, but that’s not the case, according to Payal.
You might end up using more water than necessary, especially if you leave the water running as you brush your teeth.
If saving water is a concern, make sure to turn off your tap while you brush your teeth, Payal said.
How to make sure you’re spending enough time on your nashers
Payal had a few recommendations to make sure you spend enough time brushing your teeth – at your sink, not in the shower!
- Try stretching your arms, legs, neck and back while you brush – you’ll feel energised and alert starting your day
- Listen to music or catch up with a podcast or audiobook
- Use the time to mentally plan your day out
- Try meditating – focus on your breath and clear your mind
- Stand up straight and engage your core – this can help improve your posture
- Try multitasking – do some light chores like putting away dishes, folding laundry, wiping countertops
You should be brushing your teeth twice a day, NHS guidance recommends.
Take two minutes to get your pearly whites clean last thing before you go to sleep, and pick one more occasion in the day to do it.
Flossing will also improve your oral health and it’s best to do that before brushing.
When it comes to your brushing technique, cosmetic dentist and Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dr Hannah Kinsella said to hold your toothbrush at the very end to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on your teeth.
She also recommended you use an electric instead of a manual toothbrush.
Meanwhile, TikTok dentist Anna Peterson said: “Go slower, let the brush do its job” when using an electric toothbrush.