Poor brushing habits are defined as brushing less than twice a day, not flossing daily, using worn toothbrushes beyond 3 months, using hard bristles that irritate gums and erode enamel, brushing for under a minute, and brushing sideways instead of up and down motions. While poor brushing does not directly cause cancer, it can lead to gum disease which has been linked to increased cancer risk.

1. Does Poor
Brushing
Cause
Cancer?

2. The definition of
“poor brushing”
involves the
following:

3. Brushing only once a day
Neglecting to floss at least
once a day (twice is better)nce
a day
Using worn-out toothbrushes
(toothbrushes should be
replaced with new ones every
two or three months)
Using hard-bristled
toothbrushes (they do not
brush “better”. Instead, hard
bristles irritate gums and erode
dental enamel)
Spending less than one minute
brushing teeth
Brushing teeth sideways
instead of up and down