credit, Getty Images
-
- author, Yasmin Rufo
- roll, BBC News
-
We all think we know how to brush our teeth. Wash thoroughly in the morning and at night and rinse thoroughly. Also, if applicable, use a mouthwash containing menthol.
But industry experts say even the most diligent people can make mistakes that can undermine their efforts.
Praveen Sharma, from the University of Birmingham’s School of Dentistry, estimates that half of British adults will develop periodontal disease at some point in their lives. And one of the first signs is bleeding gums.
“If your gums are bleeding or inflamed, it’s a sign that you need to brush your teeth better,” he advises.
In addition to regular visits to the dentist, Sharma and the show’s hosts How’s the documentation going?from BBC Radio 4 (Dr. Zand and Chris van Tureken), highlights four steps we can take to improve our oral health.
1. Brushing your teeth thoroughly once is more effective than brushing your teeth twice quickly.
However, Sharma emphasizes that it is quality, not quantity, that is important.
“If you have the time, it’s fine. Make sure you brush properly twice a day,” he explains. “But it’s better to brush quickly and thoroughly for two minutes every day.”
If you only have time to brush properly once a day, we recommend brushing at night and flossing as well.
Of course, no one likes flossing. But Sharma suggests that using interdental brushes may be easier and less painful.
credit, Getty Images
Regarding the method, each tooth has three surfaces, the outer surface, the inner surface, and the occlusal surface, which are used to bite. All of them need to be polished.
Sharma advises moving in small circles over each surface without applying too much pressure. We also recommend paying special attention to the junction of the teeth and gums, where periodontal disease can occur.
Zand van Tureken emphasizes the importance of consciously brushing your teeth while looking at your phone and simultaneously “focusing on the sensation of the hair.”
2. Brush your teeth before breakfast, not after.
Many people brush their teeth immediately after eating, but this can damage your enamel.
“Ideally, you should brush your teeth before breakfast,” says Sharma. “You don’t want to brush your teeth after eating something acidic.”
“If you brush your teeth after eating, you need to wait a little while after eating before brushing.”
The reason to wait is because acids in foods and drinks, especially fruit juices and coffee, can soften tooth enamel. Brushing afterwards may wear away the enamel.
Chris Van Tulleken recommends rinsing your mouth with water after meals to remove some of the acid, and waiting at least 30 minutes after breakfast to brush your teeth.
credit, Getty Images
3. Don’t rinse after brushing your teeth
If you find yourself spitting, rinsing, and gargling after brushing your teeth, you may want to reconsider this process.
“It’s best to spit it out without rinsing it off,” Sharma recommends. Rinsing your mouth will remove any remaining fluoride from your toothpaste.
In other words, simply spitting out the excess toothpaste leaves a thin layer of fluoride in your mouth to continue protecting your teeth.
If you need to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth, use mouthwash.
credit, Getty Images
4. Expensive toothpaste doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better.
Supermarket shelves are full of whitening, charcoal, and enamel-regenerating toothpastes, and it’s easy to imagine that expensive creams can give you a healthier smile.
But Sharma says it doesn’t really matter which brand of product you choose, as long as it contains the key ingredients.
“As long as your toothpaste contains fluoride, it really doesn’t make much of a difference,” he explains. Sharma stresses that she usually buys the cheapest brand or whatever is on sale.
Fluoride protects tooth enamel and helps prevent tooth decay. This is really important. However, your dentist may recommend toothpaste for certain conditions, such as sensitive gums.
listen here This report was produced on an episode of the BBC Radio 4 program What’s Up Docs? (in English).
About The Author
