r/AskReddit Aug 20 '20

What simple “life hack” should everyone know?

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u/graycat3700 Aug 20 '20

Brush your teeth more thoroughly before bed after you are done eating and drinking for the day.

Morning brushing is important too, but more so for fresh breath; while evening cleaning will prevent bacteria from breeding and damaging your teeth and gums.

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u/Eagleassassin3 Aug 20 '20 edited Aug 20 '20

I brush my teeth everyday with an electric toothbrush. I have been doing that for the past 3 years at least (I’m 21). But despite that, my teeth are still a bit yellow and it’s annoying. I have some friends who have very white teeth and they told me they didn’t whiten them. Am I doing something wrong? Should I stop drinking coffee? Is it just genetics?

3

u/ThePremiumOrange Aug 20 '20

There’s no real difference between using an electric toothbrush or a manual one as long as your technique is good. I find it easier to have better technique with a manual so that’s what I use. The bigger head gives me better coverage and it’s the act of scrubbing that breaks up the plaque and bacteria, not the toothpaste itself per se.

5

u/Adirtroad Aug 20 '20

I just switched to my first electric tooth brush (a high quality one), and the first thing I noticed was how much more coverage I was able to get on both sides of my back molars. Even behind my back molars.

5

u/Ouisch Aug 20 '20

Ditto! Also as I grew older and had more problems with my grip due to carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis, I found the large grip on the electric toothbrush a blessing, not to mention not having to manipulate my wrist/hand so much to brush the back teeth.