5 things that are surprisingly bad for your oral health

You only get one set of teeth to last you through your whole adult life. If you want to keep your natural teeth for as long as possible, you need to keep your oral hygiene in excellent order.

However, even if you are following a strict oral hygiene routine, you could still be putting your teeth and gums at risk. Here are five things that you could be doing, that we have found most patients do not know about.

Don’t rinse

You should brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Most toothpaste does contain the correct amount of fluoride for adults. After brushing, spit out the excess toothpaste. Do not rinse. When you rinse your mouth with water after brushing, you are removing the fluoride from the toothpaste. Fluoride protects the enamel of the teeth which keeps them healthy and strong.

Put your brush away

Many people don’t think about this, but where you keep your toothbrush when you’re not using it is very important. In the bathroom, there are many germs floating in the air everytime you flush the toilet. It is best to keep your toothbrush away from the toilet as much as possible. If you have a bathroom cupboard, that would be the ideal home for your toothbrushes.

Don’t share

You should be the only person that uses your toothbrush, and you shouldn’t use anyone else’s. No exceptions. Germs can be living on a toothbrush and when you share, you can be passing these germs to other people. It is also advisable that you change your toothbrush, or toothbrush head, after being unwell to prevent the spread of germs.

Brushing is no quick fix

We find a lot of our patients think it’s a good idea to brush their teeth as soon as they finish eating or drinking something that contains high sugar. However, this is incorrect. When you consume sugar, your enamel softens from the acidity and brushing can cause damage. Enamel cannot be repaired once it becomes damaged. It is best to wait at least half an hour to brush your teeth after eating or drinking.

Don’t brush too much

Believe it or not, you can actually brush your teeth too much. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but it’s not indestructible. Brushing too often or too hard can start to wear away your enamel. Stick to brushing your teeth twice per day, for two minutes each time. Use small motions when you move your brush over your teeth, and just guide your brush around your mouth if it is electric. There is no need to apply a lot of pressure.

If you would like more advice on how to keep your teeth in great condition, ask your dentist at your next appointment. To book an appointment with one of our dentists at Regent Dental Care, please call us on 0161 941 2143.