Eight Confusions About Brushing Teeth

Improper brushing is the main cause of oral disease. However, there are many things to pay attention to when brushing your teeth, and there are also different opinions about the precautions for brushing your teeth. Which is the correct way to brush your teeth?

Confusion 1: Should I eat first or brush my teeth first after getting up?

A recent British study shows that brushing your teeth before meals is better for protecting your teeth than brushing them after meals. The research report pointed out that the main factor in the formation of tooth decay is the chemical reaction between dental plaque and sugar in food, which forms acidic substances that corrode teeth. Acidic substances are formed after a meal, and they form very quickly. Therefore, only by removing tartar before meals can the formation of acidic substances be greatly reduced, and it is best to rinse your mouth carefully after meals. You should brush your teeth after getting up in the morning and before meals to kill the bacteria that have grown in your mouth overnight and remove bad breath.

Confusion 2: If my teeth bleed while brushing, should I continue brushing?

When the gums become inflamed and the capillary walls become brittle, they cannot resist normal stimulation, which leads to easy bleeding, which is generally a precursor to periodontal disease. At this time, you must continue to brush your teeth and maintain the correct brushing method to improve the condition of your gums. After a period of time, the inflammation will subside and the bleeding will stop.

Confusion 3: My gums bleed easily when I use a new toothbrush, but it’s fine after a few days of use. Is it because the toothbrush is bad?

Bleeding is also related to the toothbrush. If the gingival inflammation is in the inflammatory edema stage, it is recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. A good toothbrush should have the following characteristics: small head, flat head, and slightly soft bristles.

Confusion 4: Can soft bristles remove dirt from teeth?

If the bristles are too soft, it may not be possible to brush thoroughly, but if the bristles are too hard, it may easily cause gum damage. The hardness of the bristles should vary from person to person. For example, patients with periodontal disease must choose a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is conducive to cleaning the periodontium; people without periodontal disease can choose a toothbrush with medium bristles; it is not recommended to use a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard.

Confusion 5: Can the elderly with loose teeth and children during their tooth replacement period brush their teeth normally?

Tooth replacement is a normal phenomenon and does not require extra attention. The brushing method is the same as that for adults. However, if the elderly have loose teeth, they need to go to the hospital in time to check whether there are any problems with the gums. In addition, be sure to brush your teeth on time, especially before going to bed at night. You can also massage your gums appropriately to maintain dental health.

Confusion 6: After tooth extraction or filling, the gums are red and swollen. Can I brush my teeth at this time?

Except for the 24 hours after tooth extraction, you can brush your teeth normally in other situations.

Confusion 7: I have a mouth ulcer, and it hurts when I brush my teeth, and sometimes it bleeds. Should I stop brushing?

When you have oral ulcers, you should pay more attention to oral hygiene, otherwise it will affect the healing of the ulcers. You can choose a slightly softer toothbrush and try not to let the bristles touch the ulcer area.

Confusion 8: Toothpaste ads often claim to freshen breath, but why do I still have bad breath every time I brush my teeth?

In fact, the refreshing smell of toothpaste only stays in the mouth for a short time and masks bad breath. There are many reasons for bad breath, such as tartar, caries, gastrointestinal diseases, etc. You cannot expect to solve the problem by brushing your teeth. You should find the cause and prescribe the right remedy.