By Stone Falls Dental Care · Published
TL;DR
Written during the pandemic, when many people could not reach a dentist, the post answers common questions about caring for teeth at home. Brush twice a day for two minutes with any fluoride toothpaste, replace the brush every three months and clean between teeth before brushing. Bleeding gums usually mean cleaning needs to be more thorough. It also explains which problems are emergencies, how to handle a knocked-out tooth, which mouth cancer signs to watch for and why stress may cause grinding.
Brushing your teeth in the morning and at night, for two minutes each time, will generally be enough to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Studies have shown, however, that people brush for an average of 43 seconds.
What kind of toothpaste should I use?
Any toothpaste with fluoride will do. Not only does it help to prevent tooth decay, but it slows down the rate of progression of any existing decay. The increasing availability of “natural” toothpastes without fluoride, however, is a concern, especially in areas where water fluoridation is not widespread.
Is it a good idea to switch to an electric toothbrush?
What you brush with is less important than brushing. Some electric toothbrushes, however, have a timer – or even an app – to help you to be more thorough.
How often should I replace my toothbrush?
Dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush or brush head every three months. The problem is that very few people do.
Does brushing your teeth reduce your coronavirus risk?
It has been argued that more frequent brushing should be promoted alongside hand-washing to protect against coronavirus, as the antimicrobial agents in toothpaste and mouthwash reduce mouth bacteria. Cardiff University study found “promising signs” that mouthwash may help to kill coronavirus. Further research into how oral hygiene might factor into reducing coronavirus risk is under way.
What else can I do apart from brushing thoroughly?
If you already floss regularly, stick with it. If you have yet to make it a habit, pick up some interdental brushes, which are easier to use than string floss. Interdental cleaning is especially important if you have a history of gum disease. Do it before you brush.
What else should I be mindful of?
Being conscious of what you’re eating and when is also vital for a healthy mouth. Many people have been consuming more sugar and alcohol during the pandemic, which is detrimental to oral health over a prolonged period. Limit snacking and consume sugar only as part of a meal.
My gums bleed after brushing and flossing. Should I be worried?
People can be put off by this, especially when starting a new oral care regimen, but it is important to persevere. It’s not an indication you’re brushing too hard: it probably means you haven’t been brushing well enough. The bleeding indicates some level of gum disease, and will probably stop as your gums become healthier. Dentists reported patients’ gum disease had got worse in the months between the first lockdown and practices reopening mid-year: it’s a good reminder of just how quickly gum disease can worsen.
Can I replicate a professional hygienist’s cleaning at home?
Trying to copy a hygienist’s cleaning at home is “straying into DIY dentistry” and could easily get you into trouble. If there is visible plaque or tartar (calcified plaque) around the necks of your teeth, talk to your dentist about the possibility of booking in for a scale and polish.
I think I am grinding my teeth. What can I do?
This has reportedly become more prevalent during the pandemic, due to rising stress levels. If you know you are inclined to clench your jaw while concentrating or stressed during the day, becoming aware of it may be enough to break the habit. Sleep grinding, known as bruxism, is harder to tackle. You may not even know you do it unless you share a bed, but it can cause sleeplessness, facial pain and headaches. Your dentist will be able to tell if you are doing your teeth any damage, and suggest possible treatments.
How do I tell if I have a dental emergency?
Chipping a tooth, without any associated pain, is generally not an emergency. If you have broken or lost a filling, crown or veneer, you can get an emergency repair kit from a pharmacy to tide you over until you can speak to your dentist. Toothache may be eased with paracetamol or ibuprofen. An urgent dental need could include facial swelling extending to the eye or neck, bleeding after an extraction that doesn’t stop, toothache that prevents eating or sleeping, or trauma that results in bleeding or fracturing; in such instances, do call your dentist on their emergency line.
I have knocked out a tooth. What do I do?
A knocked-out tooth is also high priority: a knocked-out adult tooth can usually be reimplanted if a dentist can get to it quickly. The longer the tooth is out of the mouth, the higher the chance is the body will reject it. Holding the tooth by the crown, not the root, try to put it back into the hole in the gum. Bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If the tooth does not go in easily, put it in a container of milk or saliva (adults could also hold it inside their cheek). Don’t wash it under the tap – you want to keep all the little cells and bits of body around it. If you cannot find the tooth, still seek emergency care.
What else should I look out for?
The symptoms of mouth cancer can be annoying but manageable. If you have mouth ulcers that do not heal within several weeks or unexplained, persistent lumps in the mouth or lymph glands (in the neck), contact your dentist or doctor.
I usually see my dentist twice a year. How concerned should I be by this pandemic break?
You should talk to your dentist about how often you need to see them, taking into account your patient history. If you have good oral hygiene, you may need to go only once every two to three years. If your regimen is lacking, now is an ideal time to improve it, he says. The dentist is not the repair shop that does everything for you – you’ve got to be in charge of your own oral health.
Sources
- Elle Hunt, The Guardian
- Professor Damien Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association
- Dr. Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation