Most Americans brush their teeth every day—but very few are doing it properly.
While it is widely seen as a basic daily habit, research suggests the majority of people are falling short of recommended dental guidelines, potentially putting their oral health at risk.
A 2025 YouGov survey found that 3 in 10 Americans brush at least once a day, just over half brush twice daily, and only 10 percent brush three or more times a day. But that doesn’t mean they are brushing the right way. Newsweek spoke to two dentists who have shared seven mistakes many make without realizing it.
Dr. Sheena Tanna, a clinical director and dentist, and Dr. Alex Seijas, a principal dentist with more than two decades of experience, said they routinely see the same brushing errors repeated by patients and explained how small changes in technique could make a significant difference.
Both dentists have shared the most-common brushing mistakes you may be making every day without even realizing it.
1. Choosing the Wrong Toothbrush
“One of the most common mistakes I still see is people using manual toothbrushes instead of electric ones,” Tanna said. “In modern dentistry, there is very little reason not to use an electric toothbrush.
“They remove plaque more effectively and help patients maintain a consistent technique. Many also include timers and pressure sensors, which help ensure patients brush for the correct amount of time without damaging their gums.”
2. Brushing Too Hard
Tanna said that many people believe scrubbing harder will clean their teeth better, but aggressive brushing can push the gums down and cause gum recession.
This exposes the neck of the tooth, which does not have enamel protecting it, leading to sensitivity and wear over time. Gentle, controlled brushing is far more effective.
3. Not Brushing Long Enough
Most people know they are supposed to brush regularly, but far fewer realize how long they should be brushing for. Dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes, yet many people stop far earlier.
Tanna said most people do not use a timer and typically stop after just 30 to 45 seconds.
She added: “This means many areas of the mouth are missed, particularly the back teeth, allowing plaque to build up and increasing the risk of gum disease, bad breath and tooth decay.”
4. Missing the Gum Line
Another common mistake is focusing only on the visible part of the tooth.
“People often focus on the visible part of the tooth—the crown—but plaque frequently accumulates where the tooth meets the gum,” Tanna said. “If the toothbrush isn’t angled correctly toward this area, bacteria can build up and lead to gum inflammation and disease.”
5. Forgetting to Clean the Tongue
Dentists also warn that brushing teeth alone is not enough. Bacteria on the tongue can significantly contribute to bad breath, and brushing alone does not clean between teeth. Without interdental cleaning, around a third of the tooth surface is left uncleaned, which is why decay and gum disease often develop between the teeth.
6. Using the Wrong Brushing Technique
Seijas said brushing technique matters just as much as frequency.
“Scrubbing horizontally across the teeth misses plaque along the gumline and can traumatize the gums,” he said. “Technique is more important than force.”
8. Rinsing Straight After Brushing
One of the most-overlooked mistakes happens after brushing is finished.
“Rinsing vigorously with water straight after brushing washes away the concentrated fluoride from toothpaste, reducing its protective effect,” Seijas said. “It’s better to spit, not rinse.”
Seijas, who focuses exclusively on orthodontics at the London Orthodontic Clinic, shared simple advice on how to brush teeth correctly.
- Use a soft‑bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Hold the brush at a 45‑degree angle toward the gumline and use gentle, small circular motions rather than scrubbing side to side.
- Brush all surfaces—outer, inner, and chewing surfaces—for a full two minutes, twice daily.
- After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste but avoid rinsing with water to allow the fluoride to continue protecting the enamel.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay.
