Oral hygiene is a regular part of daily life — and that’s good news, because it shows dental awareness among UK adults is high. We brush and floss to protect the mouth’s natural defences and to avoid infections, tooth decay, gum disease and other problems.
But oral care affects more than just your mouth. Poor dental health has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and even Alzheimer’s. That makes looking after your teeth even more important.
Despite that, some damaging myths about brushing still persist. Let’s separate fact from fiction.
Myth: The more you brush, the healthier your teeth will be.
Fact: Brushing twice a day and flossing is the recommended routine. Some people say you should brush constantly or scrub hard to remove plaque, but overbrushing can harm your enamel. Toothpaste is mildly abrasive, and aggressive, frequent brushing can wear enamel away and leave tiny scratches where plaque sticks.
Be gentle. Use a small-headed toothbrush so you can clean each tooth properly, or consider an electric toothbrush. Dental professionals, including practices like White Rabbit Dental, advise mindful brushing: gentle, thorough care protects your teeth better than hard scrubbing. If you feel you need to freshen up after a meal, rinse your mouth with water and chew sugar-free gum to boost saliva instead of brushing right away.
Myth: Brush with lemon juice and baking soda to whiten teeth.
Fact: Whitening is popular, but lemon and baking soda are a bad idea. Baking soda is abrasive and lemon juice is very acidic. Together they may remove surface stains, but they also erode enamel. Once enamel is lost it doesn’t grow back, which can expose the yellow dentine underneath, increase sensitivity and raise the risk of decay.
If you want whiter teeth, speak with your dentist about safe options. Some people try gentle home methods like oil pulling with coconut oil, but always check with a professional first.
Myth: If your gums bleed, brush less.
Fact: Bleeding gums are often caused by plaque near the gum line. Brushing less makes the problem worse. Instead, clean more carefully and give your gums time to adjust — the bleeding usually stops. Bleeding can also come from brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles. Switch to a soft brush, use the correct technique, and brush twice daily. If bleeding continues for several weeks, see your dentist to rule out medical issues. Conditions that affect the immune system, diabetes or serious illnesses can cause persistent gum problems.
Myth: Flossing is overrated and unnecessary.
Fact: Flossing matters. Many people skip it — a 2017 survey found only 37% of over-55s and 18% of 18–24-year-olds floss regularly — but floss reaches the places a toothbrush can’t. Daily flossing prevents plaque between teeth and supports healthy gums. Try to floss each evening; the technique takes a little practice but becomes easy with time.
Taking care of your teeth is important for more than just your smile. Good oral hygiene helps protect your overall health, so it’s worth doing properly.