You've Been Holding Your Toothbrush All Wrong And It's The Reason Your Teeth Aren't As White As You Want

THERE are certain parts of our routine that we’ve done so regularly and for so long, that they’ve become automatic.

But have you ever stopped to think about your tooth-brushing technique?

Dr Hanna Kinsella has shared her top tips for keeping teeth healthy and whiteCredit: hannamiraftab/Instagram

Apparently there are some fundamental mistakes we’re all making when it comes to polishing our gnashers, and you won’t even know you’re doing it.

So if you’re teeth are looking a bit yellow and your mouth isn’t feeling too clean, you might want to listen up.

Whilst also appearing on the reality show The Real Housewives of Cheshire, Dr Hanna Kinsella is also the owner and Principal Dentist of Kiln Lane Dental, a large private practice situated in the North West.

She is a cosmetic dentist and has shared some top tips for keeping teeth healthy and white.

She also reveals what we’re all doing wrong and you won’t believe it but you’ve been holding your toothbrush incorrectly!

So if your gnashers are in need of some TLC, here’s Dr Hanna Kinsella’s top tips.

Brush your teeth correctly!

Instead of brushing teeth aggressively with a hard grip – which can be a natural response – try to hold your toothbrush at the very end and use a grip as if you’re holding a pen.

This will reduce pressure to the brush and the teeth, therefore protecting them from damage and contributing to whiter teeth!

You’ve been holding your toothbrush all wrongCredit: Getty

Be aware of your food and drink

Coffee, tea and red wine can quickly cause yellow or brown stains to form, so small things like being aware of avoiding these drinks if possible, or drinking these through a straw may help to keep teeth white and avoid stains.

The nicotine in cigarettes can also stain teeth so it goes without saying to avoid cigarettes too for whiter teeth.

Nicotine in cigarettes will cause bad stains on your teethCredit: Getty

Your general health can also yellow the teeth

Something most people don’t know is that health issues like diabetes, oral cancer, anaemia and some eating disorders can also cause damage to the tooth enamel and oral health, which can result in yellow teeth.

Always seek help from a professional if you are experiencing any of these, and your teeth will benefit too.

Staying healthy can in fact help your teeth to look healthyCredit: Getty

Healthy eating – strawberries can whiten the teeth!

Who knew – strawberries contain malic acid which is actually a natural tooth whitener.

Obviously don’t go too hard on the strawberries, and don’t rub them on the teeth or keep them against the enamel for too long, but a healthy amount of them can help with whitening!

In the same vein, apples are a great way of cleaning the teeth (in some form!) as long as not eaten too aggressively.

The rough edges of crispy food like apples can also help to remove bacteria from the teeth.

Would you believe that strawberries can help whiten your teeth?!Credit: Getty

Use a sonic toothbrush

Using a sonic electric toothbrush can provide a powerful dynamic cleaning action that helps to keep teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque, as well as effective stain removal which helps to brighten teeth and restore them to their natural whiteness.

Use an electric toothbrush to keep your teeth looking healthyCredit: Getty

Drink plenty of water

A benefit across so many areas of life – drinking water is essential for wellbeing and also our oral health.

It’s a natural cleaner in so many senses and can also help remove bacteria from the teeth.

Always have at least a glass of water after eating meals.

Drink plenty of water to keep your smile shiningCredit: Getty

Don’t skip flossing

Flossing is that step everyone forgets – but it has so many benefits.

It can remove some staining in between teeth and brighten the smile as well as help with overall oral health.

Don’t forget to floss!Credit: Getty

Visit your dentist regularly

You should be visiting your dentist every six months – they will be able to talk to you all about the colour of your teeth if you’re not seeing any improvement with your own dental health. You may check the Hometown Family Dentistry in cookeville to find out more information about what your teeth and oral health is telling you.

You can always consider professional teeth whitenings to whiten the teeth artificially and if done by a medical professional, the results can be hugely confidence boosting.