Teeth brushing: 3 "facts" about brushing your teeth, but which are true?

In this article, we'll explore why gentle teeth brushing is crucial, the importance of the right time to brush your teeth, and the benefits of flossing for a thorough clean and cavity prevention. Read on to discover the real ways to maintain a healthy smile.

Brushing your teeth: true or false

Here are 3 fun facts, but which are false and which are true? Take a guess and find out if you've been taking care of your teeth the right way.

1. Brushing your teeth harder cleans them better: True or false?

FALSE!

This is one of the most persistent myths about dental health. Brushing your teeth too hard can actually have the opposite effect, destroying the natural enamel protection, not protecting your teeth.

Let's be clear: there's not a shred of truth to this myth. Brushing too hard can be harmful to your teeth and gums.

Why is brushing your teeth too hard harmful?

Enamel Damage: Enamel is the shiny, protective layer of your teeth. Worn enamel not only loses its lustre but can also expose nerve endings, causing discomfort when biting into hot or cold foods.

Gum damage: Overbrushing is harmful and can cause gum recession and bleeding, leading to sensitivity and other problems.

Signs You're Brushing Teeth Too Hard

• Your new toothbrush frays within a few weeks of using it
• Your gum line is receding
• Your gums bleed when you brush your teeth
• Tooth sensitivity occurs often
• Teeth appear dull and discoloured

It's never normal for your gums to bleed every time you brush your teeth, and it should never be ignored. While these symptoms can also be caused by other issues, it's important to consult your dentist if you have any concerns.

Can you over-brush your teeth?

Yes, you can, but the key is: gentleness. Be gentle when brushing, but if you find it difficult not to press too hard on the toothbrush, here are three practical tips:

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Extra soft bristles are even better than medium and hard ones
• Hold your toothbrush with 3 fingers: This type of grip makes it more difficult to press the toothbrush hard, effectively reducing the pressure on your teeth and gums. 
• Use an electric toothbrush: With the right technique, an electric toothbrush can be a very useful tool in preventing gum damage.

2. There are no benefits of dental floss

FALSE!

Other common myths include the idea that flossing is bad for your teeth or that it's not really necessary. You may have heard that it's helpful but not essential.

The truth is that flossing is important for cleaning the spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush can't reach.

When you brush your teeth only with a toothbrush, no matter how good your technique, it's impossible to reach all the spaces between your teeth. That's why you need an alternative method to clean between your teeth.

So is flossing good or bad?

Flossing not only keeps the spaces between your teeth clean, but also offers many health benefits:

• Better removal of bacteria that cause bad breath 
• Removal of plaque below the gum line 
• Reduction of the risk of tooth decay 
• Less likely to develop sore, swollen, and red gums 
• Helps prevent gingivitis 
• Flossing is a great method for everyone, even those with narrow spaces between their teeth. However, for those with more space between their teeth, an interdental brush works just as well.

How do you floss properly?

Floss once a day. Important: Floss before brushing so that loose particles are removed during brushing.

• Take the right amount, about 40-45 cm of dental floss. 
• Wrap most of the yarn around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand, leaving about 1-2 inches of yarn to work with. 
• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and index fingers. 
• Gently guide the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion. 
• Be careful not to snap the floss against your gums. 
• Follow the curve of your teeth and, when the floss reaches the gum line, bend it into a C shape against a tooth. 
• Gently slide the floss into the space between the gum and the tooth. 
• As you move from tooth to tooth, use a clean section of floss for each space. 
• Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after flossing all your teeth.

3. There’s a best time to brush your teeth.

What do you think? True, or false?

TRUE!

Brushing your teeth twice a day is necessary, but the timing is also important. It's essential to brush your teeth morning and evening. Brushing your teeth before bed is important to remove food debris and bacteria that build up during the day. Brushing in the morning, however, is beneficial because, while you sleep, saliva production, which protects your enamel, decreases.

When should you brush your teeth?

After meals: Wait 30-60 minutes after eating to brush your teeth. Food increases acidity in the mouth, weakening the enamel. Waiting allows saliva to protect and strengthen the enamel, preventing brushing from being abrasive.

Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?

Before breakfast: It's best to brush your teeth before breakfast to eliminate nighttime bacteria and apply a protective layer of fluoride. Brushing also stimulates saliva production, which provides additional protection against food acids.

After breakfast: If you prefer to brush your teeth after breakfast, wait at least 30 minutes. If you're short on time, rinse your mouth with water to reduce acidity before brushing.

How Impress Can Help You Keep Your Teeth Healthy

At Impress, we're committed to improving our patients' oral health, which is why we specialise in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners. Not only is it a discreet and effective treatment, but the aligners are removable, meaning you can continue to enjoy your favourite foods while straightening your teeth.

If you're interested in Impress clear aligners or want to learn more, contact our team of experts at your nearest Impress centre. You can also book an appointment online, by phone at tel:442038081072, or via WhatsApp.