Think you know how to brush your teeth!
Just because your parents taught you doesn’t mean they were right!
Most of us learned to brush our teeth the same way we learned to tie our shoes: at home, from someone older, and probably before we could question it.
But just because a habit is familiar doesn’t mean it’s correct - or up-to-date. In fact, recent studies and global comparisons show that many people are brushing in ways that do more harm than good. Meanwhile, toothpaste tubes and old-school brushing habits have hardly evolved in >70 years.
It’s time to rethink your routine.
Here are some of the most common (and in our opinion surprising) mistakes people make when brushing their teeth - plus a few odd gems from history that are worth a chuckle.
1. Brushing harder means a better clean
Not quite. Brushing too vigorously can wear down enamel, damage your gums, and even cause sensitivity. It’s about technique, not force. Think massage, not scrub.
2. You should brush straight after eating
This one sounds logical, but it’s misleading. After eating, especially acidic foods like fruit or coffee your enamel is temporarily softened. Brushing immediately can cause erosion. Dentists recommend waiting 30 minutes.
3. A hard-bristled brush does a better job
It might feel satisfying, but it’s too aggressive. Soft bristles are safer, and just as effective when used correctly.
4. You must rinse your mouth after brushing
Actually, no. Rinsing immediately with water washes away the fluoride that’s meant to protect your teeth. Instead, spit and leave the residue to work its magic.
5. Brushing twice a day is enough
It’s a great start, but brushing alone doesn’t clean between your teeth or your tongue. That’s why flossing and tongue cleaning matter too.
6. Electric brushes are automatically better
They can help, but only if used properly. Manual brushing with the right technique can be just as effective. It’s not the brush, it’s how you use it.
7. Romans used urine as mouthwash (yes, really)
This one’s actually true. Ancient Romans used stale urine, rich in ammonia, to whiten their teeth. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since then.
8. Chewing sticks don’t work
Wrong again. Miswak sticks, used in parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, have natural antibacterial properties and have been shown to be surprisingly effective in studies.
9. George Washington had wooden teeth
A classic myth. In reality, his dentures were made of ivory, gold, lead, and even human teeth, but not wood.
10. Baking soda is harmless for brushing
While baking soda is a mild abrasive and has some whitening properties, overuse can damage enamel. It’s not a long-term solution .Please don’t DIY!
11. Brushing once a day is fine in some cultures, but not ideal
In certain regions, brushing once daily is common. However, most dental professionals agree that twice a day is essential for long-term oral health.
12. Everyone uses toothpaste
Not true. Across the world, people clean their teeth with salt, charcoal, neem twigs, and even ash. Some of these traditional methods are effective, but lack consistency or scientific testing.
13. Kids can handle brushing on their own
While it’s tempting to let them go it alone, research shows most children need supervision until at least age 7 to develop proper brushing habits.
Time to brush smarter, not harder
Most brushing myths aren’t dangerous, but they can stop you from getting the best results from your daily routine. And let’s be honest: squeezing paste from a plastic tube onto a worn-out brush doesn’t exactly scream “modern self-care”.
That’s why at NUEOS, we’ve built a better system.
Our toothpaste tablets are naturally derived, mess-free, and pre-portioned, no guesswork, no waste. And when paired with our red and blue LED Light Bath, you’re not just brushing. You’re using light to reduce stains, nourish your gums, and strengthen enamel. In under a minute a day.
Smarter science. Cleaner ingredients. Better habits.
The future of brushing has arrived.
Let the light in.
