5 Ways You’re Brushing Your Teeth Wrong

Confession time: We’ve been slacking on that whole brushing for two full minutes thing our childhood dentists taught us. In fact, after talking to a few incisor experts, we’re pretty ashamed to admit that our oral hygiene routines could use a major freshening up. And we’re guessing we’re not alone. Below are the five biggest mistakes people make when it comes to caring for their smiles. 

1. You’re Not Flossing
Okay, okay: We all know we should be flossing, but is it really that bad if we skip it? The answer is a definite yes, say experts. “A lot of people have an aversion to flossing, but there is a wealth of evidence to support the additional benefits of flossing and brushing, as compared to brushing alone,” says June Harewood, dentist and assistant professor of dentistry at Columbia University Medical Center. “The combination of brushing and flossing lowers the risk of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease in which your gums are irritated, red, and swollen.”