10 facts about dental hygiene that will shock you

Dear patient, if you’ve clicked here, you want to find out which tips and facts you may have missed. Plenty of things are going to surprise you, but don’t worry, there’s still time to put them into practice. Here we go!

Things you didn’t know that will help your oral hygiene:

1. Wait 30–40 minutes: Experts recommend brushing your teeth at least 30 minutes after eating. No, we’re not joking. Right after eating, our mouth becomes acidic, creating an environment in which the teeth begin a process of dissolving. So if we wait 30 minutes, we’ll have given our mouth time to return to safe acidity levels. Conclusion: don’t brush your teeth straight after eating, as this could damage your tooth enamel.

2. The 2x2 rule: OK, maybe you already knew this one, but remember the 2x2 rule: brush for two minutes, twice a day. Some people think it’s 3, but two is enough if you do it properly.

3. Don’t rinse your mouth: After brushing your teeth for 2 minutes, you shouldn’t rinse your mouth with water. Yes, it feels strange not to rinse, as traces of toothpaste will be left behind, but, dear friend, that’s the whole point. By not rinsing, the fluoride in the toothpaste stays on your teeth and keeps them healthy.

4. Gentleness is key: Don’t brush your teeth hard and roughly, as you could damage the enamel and cause sensitivity in your teeth and gums. To give you an idea, the brush should be like a curtain gliding over your teeth with gentle, circular movements.

5. A new brush every 3 months: Toothbrushes are used every day, and that wears them out. Set a reminder every 3 months and replace yours for proper hygiene!

6. Don’t wet your brush: Most people wet their brush or toothpaste, but this isn’t necessary. In fact, toothpaste is made with a specific consistency that helps clean your teeth properly. If we wet it, we can change the consistency of the product and, as a result, clean our teeth less effectively.

7. The forgotten one: Remember to brush your tongue (as well as your gums and teeth). Not only will this help give you fresher breath, but this small habit will also do a great deal for your oral health.

8. Bacteria everywhere: Your mouth contains more than 800 different types of bacteria! On top of that, you have to add the more than a billion bacteria found on each tooth in your mouth. Quite a number… But don’t be alarmed: most of these bacteria are good and help regulate the ecosystem of your mouth. That’s why it’s important to use gentle products without harsh substances to keep your mouth in perfect balance.

9. Look after your toothbrush: Microorganisms also live on your toothbrush, and most are transferred from your mouth to the brush. At other times they can be transferred from your hands or even from neighbouring toothbrushes. It’s recommended to store your brush upright and without a cap, that is, uncovered, so that it can dry, since a damp environment is more prone to the growth of microorganisms. Also, if there is more than one brush in the same holder, it’s recommended to keep them apart to avoid cross-contamination.

10. Watch what you eat: If you want to help your mouth keep your teeth white throughout your life, remember to avoid these 4 foods: red berries, beetroot, tomato sauce and red wine. These foods stain the enamel and, if eaten often, will affect the colour of your teeth.