British teeth have long been the butt of American jokes, and it appears nothing has changed. Saturday Night Live recently got into trouble for satirising actress Aimee Lou Wood as a clueless Brit unaware of fluoride. ‘I have big gap teeth not bad teeth’ clapped back the White Lotus star, who subsequently received an apology from the show.

Most of us do, in fact, know what fluoride is, and make every effort to take care of our teeth. However, there are still some common errors that many people are making, according to top dentists. Dr Krystyna Wilczynski, cosmetic dentist and Dr Kiren Sandhu, Clinical Lead at Tooth Club, have shared some of the most surprising mistakes they regularly see patients making – and it’s not just forgetting to floss every day…

Not looking in the mirror when you brush

According to Dr Sandhu, a common mistake that many people make is ‘not looking in the mirror when cleaning their teeth.’ You might be surprised to learn this is recommended, but she points out ‘I always say we don’t wash dishes without looking, and we should always look in the mirror and see exactly where the toothbrush is going.’

A mirror is your best friend when it comes to tooth brushing

Using non-professional whitening products

Many of us have been tempted by the lure of budget teeth whitening products, but Dr Wilczynski cautions against using anything other than a dentist-led approach. ‘The reason I would not use these products is that they do not provide long-lasting results,’ she says. ‘Some could potentially damage the tooth enamel and irritate the gums. Professional teeth whitening delivers effective and long-lasting results due to the higher concentrations of bleaching agents compared to over-the-counter products. Professional whitening also targets stubborn stains and deeper discolouration, not just surface-level stains. Continued use of over-the-counter teeth whitening without supervision can also lead to tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, uneven whitening and damage to the enamel.’

Dr Wilczynski also cautions against buying whitening gels with trays from the internet, which can again seem like a tempting (and cheaper) option. ‘When we provide teeth whitening as dentists, we create custom-made trays that are bespoke to your teeth, allowing for specific and consistent whitening all over the tooth surface. When using trays that aren’t customised, this can cause the whitening gel to seep into the gums, which can irritate and damage them,’ she says.

Dr Wilczynski recommends tooth whitening under the guidance of an expert only

Neglecting the back teeth and inside surfaces when you brush

‘This might seem simple, but it can be surprising how many don’t brush all of their teeth,’ says Dr Sandhu. ‘You should do a big, wide smile to ensure you are getting to the back teeth. Follow the contour of your teeth and brush inside them too. Make sure you brush for two minutes, both morning and at night. I am amazed how many people don’t brush for long enough.’

Biting the wrong things (i.e. anything that is not food!)

‘If you’re a nail biter, or use your teeth as a tool for things like biting Sellotape, this can cause various issues for your teeth,’ reveals Dr Wilczynski. Problems include ‘tooth damage such as chipping and cracking (particularly if you have undergone cosmetic work, such as composite bonding).’ Continuous nail biting can also cause ‘enamel erosion’ which ‘can make your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity, staining and decay’. Your nails also come into contact with so many surfaces and objects daily, so biting them ‘can spread bacteria into your mouth, increasing the risk of infections.’

Using the wrong flossing method

‘When I ask patients to show me how they floss, many demonstrate a sawing action, but this is actually incorrect,’ says Dr Sandhu. ‘Instead, you should wrap the floss around both middle fingers and use your index finger to direct the floss, placing it between the teeth, wrapping it around the tooth, and gently moving it up and down three times.’ The main thing to remember? ‘The floss needs to hug the tooth!’

Upgrade your flossing technique for maximum effectiveness

Smoking or vaping

You may well know this already, but ‘smoking causes numerous issues for your teeth, gums, oral health and general health,’ says Dr Wilczynski. Issues for your teeth include ‘tooth staining, bad breath, severe gum disease, increased plaque and tartar buildup, tooth loss and oral cancer. Vaping can also lead to severe issues, including dry mouth, gum disease, tooth discolouration and an overall higher risk of infections in the mouth.’

Drinking fizzy drinks (including diet options)

Most fizzy drinks are high in sugar, which we know is bad for the teeth and gums, causing tooth decay and cavities. However, you might think a diet fizzy drink is a good alternative for your gnashers. Not so, says Dr Wilczynski. The pitfalls ‘also apply to diet drinks and sparkling water, as the acidity can affect the teeth, causing tooth sensitivity and enamel wear,’ she says. ‘Personally, I avoid them but they can be enjoyed in moderation. A top tip would be to use a straw to minimise the effects on the teeth, although this doesn’t avoid it completely.’

Fizzy drinks are bad news for teeth - even the diet versions

Not using an electric toothbrush

‘I always recommend that my patients opt for an electric toothbrush over a manual,’ says Dr Wilczynski. ‘They provide more effective cleaning, as they have more brush strokes per minute than a manual, meaning they can help to remove plaque build-up and bacteria more efficiently. This reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease. For those who have braces, implants, fixed retainers and so on electric toothbrushes can also be more effective at cleaning around them and dislodging food particles.’

Forgetting to clean the gums

Neglected gums are a common problem, says Dr Sandhu, although you need to get the balance right. Not cleaning them at all is a no-no, but equally being over-vigorous could lead to gum recession and expose the roots of your teeth. ‘I always like to say to brush your teeth and massage (i.e. very gently brush) your gums,’ advises Dr Sandhu. This is another area for which Dr Wilczynski says an electric toothbrush is preferable: ‘They can be much gentler on gums, rather than people brushing too hard with a manual,’ she says.

Not flossing regularly

How many of us have lied to the dentist or hygienist about how often we floss our teeth? Probably the majority. Dr Sandhu has the same advice you probably received then: ‘You should floss every night at least to ensure all food is cleaned away, and make sure to floss after brushing.’ However, she also as a pro tip to add: put toothpaste on the floss, which gets it to the places your toothbrush can’t reach. Interdental brushes are also a good shout if you have permanent wires on your teeth that prevent floss from working properly.