Dentist shares the shocking brushing mistakes that discolour your teeth!
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Maintaining that gleaming grin can be more challenging than it seems. It's not just about brushing regularly; it's about brushing correctly.
A leading dentist has recently highlighted two common brushing mistakes that could sabotage your efforts for whiter teeth.
Dr Ferakh Hamid, a United Kingdon-based dentist with over two decades of experience, shared insights that could change how you approach your oral hygiene routine.
He said, ‘Brushing your teeth in certain ways, like without water or right after eating acidic foods, might actually make them look less white over time.’
According to Dr Hamid, the first mistake many people make is brushing their teeth without sufficient water.
He mentioned that one of the primary reasons for stained teeth is applying toothpaste directly onto them without sufficient water to act as a lubricant.
He said, ‘Dry brushing might seem good for getting rid of surface stains at first, but without water, toothpaste doesn't spread well.’
The second mistake is brushing too soon after consuming acidic foods or drinks, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, or soda.
These items can weaken the enamel on your teeth, and if you brush immediately after indulging, you risk spreading the acid around your mouth, worsening its harmful effects.
Dr Hamid said that brushing your teeth immediately after consuming something acidic ‘reveals the yellower layer beneath and makes your teeth look more yellow’.
Dr Ezzard Rolle, an Assistant Professor of Dental Medicine at Columbia University, supported Dr Hamid's advice.
He said, ‘We definitely recommend holding off on brushing after consuming anything acidic, whether it's fruit, soda, juice, or sour (lollies).’
However, not all dental professionals agree on the issue of dry brushing.
Dr Michael Formenius, a dentist based in Dubai, argued that adding water to the toothbrush can overly soften the bristles, making them less effective against plaque.
He suggested that dry brushing might be more beneficial for removing surface stains and tackling plaque.
But Dr Hamid responded to this and said, ‘When you wet the bristles, they soften up. This means when you brush, it's gentler on your gums and teeth, helping to avoid any irritation or damage.’
This sentiment was echoed by Delta Dental, a large dental insurance provider, which states that while the wetness of the brush is less critical than the frequency and quality of brushing, a moistened brush can make for a more comfortable experience.
To achieve and maintain a bright smile, Dr Hamid recommended brushing for two minutes twice a day, cleaning your tongue daily, and visiting your dentist regularly.
The issue of dry brushing isn’t the only one that is fiercely debated in the dental community.
In a previous story, a doctor weighs in on the use of whitening toothpaste and whether using it will damage your teeth. You can read more about the story here.
Have you tried any of these brushing tricks? Do you have any tips for keeping your smile bright? Let us know in the comments below!
A leading dentist has recently highlighted two common brushing mistakes that could sabotage your efforts for whiter teeth.
Dr Ferakh Hamid, a United Kingdon-based dentist with over two decades of experience, shared insights that could change how you approach your oral hygiene routine.
He said, ‘Brushing your teeth in certain ways, like without water or right after eating acidic foods, might actually make them look less white over time.’
Dr Ferakh Hamid revealed that brushing teeth without water or after eating acidic foods might make teeth less white over time. Image Source Pexels / Karolina Grabowska
He mentioned that one of the primary reasons for stained teeth is applying toothpaste directly onto them without sufficient water to act as a lubricant.
He said, ‘Dry brushing might seem good for getting rid of surface stains at first, but without water, toothpaste doesn't spread well.’
The second mistake is brushing too soon after consuming acidic foods or drinks, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, or soda.
These items can weaken the enamel on your teeth, and if you brush immediately after indulging, you risk spreading the acid around your mouth, worsening its harmful effects.
Dr Hamid said that brushing your teeth immediately after consuming something acidic ‘reveals the yellower layer beneath and makes your teeth look more yellow’.
Dr Ezzard Rolle, an Assistant Professor of Dental Medicine at Columbia University, supported Dr Hamid's advice.
He said, ‘We definitely recommend holding off on brushing after consuming anything acidic, whether it's fruit, soda, juice, or sour (lollies).’
However, not all dental professionals agree on the issue of dry brushing.
Dr Michael Formenius, a dentist based in Dubai, argued that adding water to the toothbrush can overly soften the bristles, making them less effective against plaque.
He suggested that dry brushing might be more beneficial for removing surface stains and tackling plaque.
But Dr Hamid responded to this and said, ‘When you wet the bristles, they soften up. This means when you brush, it's gentler on your gums and teeth, helping to avoid any irritation or damage.’
This sentiment was echoed by Delta Dental, a large dental insurance provider, which states that while the wetness of the brush is less critical than the frequency and quality of brushing, a moistened brush can make for a more comfortable experience.
To achieve and maintain a bright smile, Dr Hamid recommended brushing for two minutes twice a day, cleaning your tongue daily, and visiting your dentist regularly.
The issue of dry brushing isn’t the only one that is fiercely debated in the dental community.
In a previous story, a doctor weighs in on the use of whitening toothpaste and whether using it will damage your teeth. You can read more about the story here.
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