Many of us were taught to brush our teeth twice a day and take care of our dental hygiene - but an expert has urged people to stop one common habit.
The Oral Health Foundation has revealed that at least one in three UK adults have some form of tooth decay, while one in four do not brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Taking care of our dental hygiene is key to preventing tooth decay, and Bupa Dental Care dentist Silviu Cartas has shared his top tips for maintaining strong, healthy teeth.
The expert advised against rinsing out your mouth after brushing with both water and mouthwash.
He told the Express: “People tend to rinse their mouths after brushing.
“However, this causes the removal of fluoride from the teeth, which means it can’t benefit the teeth by strengthening the minerals in the enamel.
“Therefore, you should spit, not rinse, and avoid using mouthwash after brushing, as there is less fluoride in mouthwash than toothpaste.
“A more helpful habit is to use these fluoride rinses another time during the day or to follow the guidance given by your dentist or hygienist.”
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Silviu added: “Toothpaste has active ingredients that need time to release/attach to the teeth.
“Rinsing after brushing removes these ingredients and their benefits.
“Antibacterial/anticavity toothpaste deposits an adhesive polymer on the tooth (a protective shield); rinsing immediately after brushing dilutes it and eventually removes it.
“Mouthwash usually has a lower fluoride concentration than toothpaste. Therefore it will dilute the fluoride concentration in the mouth if used immediately after brushing.”
He also warned parents that mouthwash should not be used by children before the age of six due to the risk of ingesting it.
“For children with a high risk of caries (tooth decay), rinsing should be supervised if their dentist has recommended using a specific mouthwash,” he said.
Silviu provided some top tips for keeping teeth healthy and reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Changing your toothbrush
It is important to regularly change your toothbrush for an efficient clean - harmful bacteria can develop on an old toothbrush.
The expert suggests monitoring the wear of your bristles and changing them frequently.
He recommends using a new toothbrush head every three to four months for electric toothbrushes, however, it can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Flossing
Flossing, also known as interdental cleaning, and normal brushing should complement each other - although most people focus on brushing only.
Using these techniques together makes sure you cover more of the surface of your teeth, reducing the long-lasting action of the acids on hidden surfaces.
Storing the toothbrush
The dentist revealed that flushing the toilet can create an aerosol effect, and spray germs through the air.
He recommends keeping your toothbrush holder away from the toilet and sink to reduce the number of bacteria that may land on them.
Previous studies have shown that toothbrushes kept in the bathroom have traces of faeces on them.
Diet
A healthy diet can reduce the damaging effects of the acids that come in contact with your teeth - most people are unaware of how certain foods can neutralise the acids in your mouth.
