8 ways teeth cleaning can go wrong from the dentist in Chislehurst
Here at Jes Dental Studio, we are advocates of preventive care and offer a wide range of treatments to help improve the smile. Preventive care is all about looking after the teeth and gums so that very little treatment or restoration is needed. One of the most important aspects of this care is cleaning the teeth effectively. Here are 8 errors that are commonly made when it comes to keeping the teeth and gums debris, stain and plaque-free.
Not spending enough time on brushing
Many people do not brush their teeth for long enough. Our dentist in Chislehurst advises our patients to spend at least two minutes brushing. Lots of people only brush for a matter of seconds, but this is not enough to remove food debris and plaque. Using a timer on a mobile phone is an easy way to ensure that the full two minutes are completed.
Gargling with water after brushing
Some people mistakenly believe that they need to rinse their mouths after they have finished brushing. However, our dentist in Chislehurst does not recommend this as it removes much of the protective nature of brushing. It is fine to spit afterwards, but rinsing the mouth can wash away much of the fluoride that is required to protect the teeth from deterioration.
Toothpaste that does not contain enough fluoride
Most kinds of toothpaste have enough fluoride to help care for the teeth. However, some alternative brands may be lacking when it comes to this important component. As a guide, we recommend that the toothpaste should contain 1350 to 1500 parts per million; this appears as ppm on the packaging.
Brushing too soon
It is not a good idea to clean the teeth straight after consuming acidic foods or drinks like fruit juice. Brushing after being sick should be avoided as well; this is because these things cause the teeth to be lacking in saliva. Saliva helps protect the enamel, which means that brushing when there is very little saliva in the mouth can cause damage to the teeth.
Brushing very hard
Brushing teeth very hard can damage them as well as the gums. It is important to be firm but not too vigorous. Any patient who is in any doubt about their brushing technique should talk to our dentist in Chislehurst to get a demonstration along with extra tips.
Getting the wrong brush
It is important to get a toothbrush that has medium bristles rather than hard ones. It is down to personal choice whether to go for an electric or manual brush; however, many people find that an electric brush is more effective at cleaning, especially the back of the mouth.
Never changing the brush
Manual toothbrushes or toothbrush heads should be changed around every 12 weeks; this ensures that they are most effective and do not harbour bacteria that can make a person ill.
Not flossing
Flossing is essential for ensuring the cleanliness between the teeth; these are the parts that the toothbrush cannot reach. Using floss or interdental brushes once per day can aid in the removal of food debris and plaque.