Good tooth-brushing habits are something our parents drummed into us from an early age. And now that we’re adults, cleaning our teeth is one of those every day must-dos we have definitely got down.
Or have we?
Data, obtained from the NHS by the Liberal Democrats via a Freedom of Information Act request, shows that 16,100 patients ended up in A&E last year as a result of tooth decay – almost 3,000 of which were children. The figures amongst this age demographic have seen an 18% rise since 2019.
The political party has called it a “national scandal” and has pointed to the “devastating lack of ambition” in fixing waiting times for dental appointments as the key reason behind this “almost medieval situation”.
It comes after research earlier this year found the proportion of five-year-olds with rotting teeth is rising in parts of England.
Why dental hygiene is so important
Practicing good oral health in childhood and adulthood isn’t just about keeping our pearly whites clean and cavity-free. In fact, it can have a wide-reaching impact on our overall health.
It has also been associated with poor diabetic control and with lung disease – mainly pneumonia – among the frail and elderly.
Put simply, bad dental hygiene leads to plaque forming on your teeth every time you eat and drink. If not properly cleaned, the plaque can eventually turn into tartar, which can result in tooth decay and even gum disease.
Dr Sam Jethwa, president of The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, agrees that not flossing daily is probably the biggest dental hygiene mistake many of us are making. “Flossing daily helps to remove plaque from below the gum line, which can damage tooth enamel and also cause gums to become sore and bleed,” he says. “Meanwhile, in the long term, flossing regularly can help to prevent gingivitis, or gum disease.”
Adult tooth-brushing mistakes
Rinsing with water after brushing
According to Dr Deepak Aulak this washes away the essential fluoride from toothpaste, reducing its protective nature in helping teeth. “Instead, just spit out excess toothpaste and leave the fluoride on your teeth,” he advises.
Not brushing for long enough
The ideal brushing time, according to Dr Aulak, is two minutes, but many people rush and don’t give their teeth enough time to be properly cleaned, meaning plaque is left behind.
Brushing too hard or too soft
Overly aggressive brushing can wear down enamel and damage gums, while brushing too gently may not effectively remove plaque. “A gentle but firm approach is best,” Dr Aulak adds.
Using the wrong toothbrush
A soft-bristled toothbrush (manual or electric) is best to avoid damaging enamel and gums. “Hard bristles can be too abrasive, and sometimes old toothbrushes lose this soft form,” Dr Aulak adds.
Not changing the toothbrush often enough
Dr Aulak says brushes should be replaced every three months or when the bristles start fraying, as worn-out bristles don’t clean effectively.
“If the bristles aren’t in good order and have lost their stiffness then they won’t be cleaning your teeth and gums effectively,” Dr Jethwa adds. “It’s also advisable to change your toothbrush sooner if you’ve been unwell, in order to avoid the harbouring of germs on the brush.”
Oral-B Pro 3 Electric Toothbrush
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Suri Sustainable Electric Toothbrush, UV Cleaning Case & Mount
This sleek and sustainable electric toothbrush delivers 33,000 sonic vibrations per minute and features two brushing modes. It also features medium-soft bristles that are ideal for sensitive teeth and gums.
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Using mouthwash straight after brushing teeth
Using mouthwash that contains fluoride can help to prevent tooth decay, however Dr Jethwa says it is not advisable to use mouthwash of any type straight after brushing your teeth because it can wash away the fluoride from the toothpaste.
“Mouthwash can be fine to use at other times, as long as it’s not directly after brushing,” he adds.
Neglecting to clean your tongue
Bacteria lives in every part of your mouth, not just your teeth. This includes your tongue. Bacteria sticks to your tongue more easily and could cause harm to your teeth. According to Dr Amini not cleaning your tongue is one of the biggest causes of bad breath.
Brushing at the wrong time
To keep the teeth healthy Dr Jethwa says it is advisable to wait 30 minutes after eating before you brush to avoid brushing the acids from foods around the teeth, causing tooth wear and sensitivity. “In the morning make sure you brush before breakfast,” he adds. “I always tell people to think of it as eating on clean teeth.”
Child tooth-brushing mistakes
Using ‘kids’ toothpaste unnecessarily
Some adult toothpastes can have quite a harsh, minty taste which can be off-putting for children. However, along with the taste the main difference between an adults’ and child’s toothpaste is the amount of fluoride they contain. “An adults’ toothpaste will have higher levels of this, and may also contain whitening components,” Dr Jethwa explains.
The NHS recommends that a child aged three to six should use a children’s fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride. From ages seven and over a child can switch to an adult toothpaste containing 1,350ppm to 1,500ppm of fluoride.
Letting children brush alone too soon
According to Dr Aulak, young children don’t have the dexterity to brush correctly, which means it sometimes isn’t being done effectively.
“Usually children are ready to brush unsupervised by around aged seven,” he says. “But it can depend on the maturity of the child. A good way to check if they are ready is to use plaque disclosing tablets (that stain plaque).”
Instead of side to side, Dr Aulak recommends children brush round and round. “Encourage small circular motions rather than scrubbing back and forth, which can miss plaque and damage gums,” he explains.
Neglecting night-time brushing
When kids are tired it can be tempting to skip the pre-bed brush, but according to Dr Aulak nighttime brushing is the most important because saliva flow decreases at night, leaving teeth vulnerable to decay.
Thinking tooth brushing isn’t important as milk teeth fall out
Many assume that because milk teeth are not permanent, they do not require as much care, but not taking care of milk teeth can lead to issues such as tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. “It can also lead to complications when the permanent teeth come through,” Dr Jethwa adds.
Not choosing the right toothbrush
It can feel overwhelming when choosing the right toothbrush for your child as there is so much choice. “If you are looking for a toothbrush for your toddler, look for one with a small head but a wide handle, so they can get a better grip,” advises Dr Jethwa. “Make sure the brush has soft bristles, as they will be gentle on the gums and teeth but still be effective at cleaning. A silicone brush can be good to use at this age as they are incredibly gentle.”
Frida Baby Fingerbrush
This triple-angle, double-sided silicone brush for babies aged three months and up cleans and massages all sides of baby’s teeth and gums at once.
Frida Baby Toothhugger Kids Toothbrush
Designed for toddlers aged two and up, this toothbrush features soft, rounded bristles that are gentle on little teeth and gums. It’s a great option for helping kids learn brushing techniques, with blue bristles that fade to white to let you know when it’s time for a replacement.
For children around six look for children’s toothbrush with a slimmer handle but still a small head with soft bristles. Dr Jethwa doesn’t recommend electric toothbrushes until over the age of six.
“I would look to move to an adult toothbrush when your child reaches age 10, but all children are different,” he adds. “By the age of 10, your child will have most of their adult teeth and their mouth will be the right size for an adult’s toothbrush.”
Colgate Minions Kids Toothbrush
This electric toothbrush has extra-soft bristles and features a slim, easy-to-hold handle designed for little hands, and a flat body that makes applying toothpaste simple.
Not making brushing fun
Dr Jethwa suggests children shopping to let choose their own toothbrush. “Your child should be brushing their teeth for two minutes, so set a timer and make it into a game, do this in the mirror so they can see where they are brushing,” he adds.
Another good tip is to play a song that will last for two minutes. “It is a good idea to explain to children why it is so important that they brush their teeth, so they have an understanding of why they are doing it,” Dr Jethwa adds.
Source: Yahoo! Life
