• It’s recommended that individuals brush their teeth for two minutes twice daily
  • But even then you shouldn’t be spitting out the paste when you’re finished
  • That information comes from a professor from the University of Dundee
  • But Sydney-based orthodontists say it’s less of an issue for city-dwellers 

Most people brush their teeth without a second thought, engaging in the two-minute practice before rinsing and going about their day.

But it’s that final step, the removal of the paste, that brushers should be thinking twice about.

According to a professor at the University of Dundee in Scotland individuals shouldn’t rinse their mouths out after cleaning, so that the fluoride has time to set on the teeth.

Most people brush their teeth without a second thought, engaging in the two-minute practice before rinsing and going about their day

‘Once you’ve brushed, don’t rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash – you’re washing away the fluoride,’ the advice read.

‘This can be a difficult habit to break but can reduce tooth decay by up to 25 per cent.’

Interestingly a number of dentists, including Dr Luke Cronin from Sydney, say that it’s more of a worry for those living in rural areas, rather than city dwellers.

That’s because the vast majority of the nation – more than 70 per cent – have access to fluoridated tap water.

‘These recommendations to increase exposure to fluoride are based on findings in the UK where approximately 10 per cent of the population has access to fluoridated water,’ Dr Cronin told Yahoo Lifestyle.

‘If you live in an area without access to water fluoridation, it’s a good way to increase your exposure to fluoride on a daily basis if you don’t mind the feeling of residue on your teeth, and it can form part of your daily oral hygiene routine.’

You should also eat and drink before you brush, rather than straight after when your teeth are at their most sensitive

It’s important to remember that those living in urban areas only get the added benefits of fluoride if they drink from the tap – not a bottle.

Other ways to protect your teeth include only exposing your teeth to four ‘sugar hits’ a day – because that is considered the amount that won’t cause irreversible damage – and brushing every 12 hours.

Caption under photo: You should also eat and drink before you brush, rather than straight after when your teeth are at their most sensitive.

*Original article online at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6600643/The-biggest-mistake-Australians-making-brushing-teeth.html