Don't wet toothbrush before brushing

Brushing teeth with a wet toothbrush reduces toothpaste effectiveness and can lead to missed spots. A dental hygienist advises against wetting the brush before applying toothpaste, as it dilutes the active ingredients and creates excessive foam, obscuring proper cleaning. While wetting is generally discouraged, a quick rinse for hygiene is acceptable if the brush is thoroughly dried. Other common mistakes include using hot water on bristles and applying too much pressure.