Brushing our teeth would ideally be part of our morning, noon and night routine. Since many people are away from home at noon, dentists recommend never skipping morning and evening tooth brushing.
Skipping what should be a twice-a-day ritual can cause all sorts of problems for our teeth, with discoloration being a major cause of concern. Here, a top dentist breaks down the one mistake most people make that can lead to yellowed teeth. It also explains how to avoid it.
It is worth noting that not brushing our teeth properly can lead not only to discoloration but also to a host of other dental problems.
Skipping what should be a twice-a-day ritual can cause plaque to build up, which can harden and turn into bacteria-filled stone. Over time, excess acids can erode tooth enamel, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath. Additionally, without regular brushing, food, drink and tobacco stains can adhere to our once pearly white teeth, further contributing to discoloration and a yellowish appearance.
Here, dentist Dr Ferakh Hamid – from Aesthetique Dental Care – discusses the one mistake most people make that can lead to tooth discoloration.
Wetting the toothbrush before brushing
« Before you start brushing, it’s a good idea to wet your toothbrush. This small step makes it easier to spread the toothpaste all over your teeth, making cleaning more effective. Also, when you wet the hair, it softens.
This means that when you brush, it is gentler on your gums and teeth, helping to avoid any irritation or damage. So remember, a quick splash of water on your brush can make a big difference in keeping your mouth clean.
Brushing your teeth in certain ways, such as without water or right after eating acidic foods, can actually make them look less white over time.
Dry brushing may seem good for getting rid of surface stains at first, but without water, the toothpaste doesn’t spread well, resulting in dull teeth.
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Brushing at the right time
Also, brushing too soon after eating acidic foods can wear down your tooth enamel. This exposes the yellower layer underneath and makes your teeth look more yellow.
This shows why brushing the right way and at the right time is key to maintaining the natural color and shine of your teeth. The acid softens the enamel, which can lead to sensitive or discolored teeth.
To avoid this, it’s best to wait a while after eating acidic foods before brushing your teeth, ensuring your enamel remains strong and your teeth healthy. »
General oral hygiene advice
According to the expert, “for fresh breath and a healthy mouth, it is important to have a good cleaning routine. This means brushing your teeth and gums gently for two minutes twice a day, using products such as antimicrobial mouthwash or toothpaste to fight germs, visiting your dentist regularly, cleaning your tongue every day and take care of any dentures you may have. Following these steps will help prevent dental problems and keep your mouth in tip-top condition. »
How to clean your teeth better
The World Health Organization recommends that we brush our teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about two minutes to keep our teeth and mouth healthy.
Plaque is a film of bacteria that covers the teeth if we don’t brush them properly – and contributes to gum disease and tooth decay.
« Brushing teeth stops plaque build-up. Try to make sure you clean every surface of all your teeth, » the Health Organization emphasizes. It is also recommended not to rinse with water immediately after brushing.
“After brushing, spit out excess toothpaste. Do not rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as this will wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste.
Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventive effect,” they advise. Regular flossing can also reduce gum disease and bad breath by removing plaque that builds up along the gum line.
When it comes to using mouthwash, the NHS advises to use one that contains fluoride.
« Don’t use mouthwash (even fluoride) immediately after brushing your teeth, as it will wash away concentrated fluoride from the toothpaste left on your teeth, » they warn.