The Argument for Not Rinsing

One of the primary reasons experts advise against rinsing with water after brushing is to allow the fluoride to remain on your teeth longer. 

Research shows that fluoride should ideally stay on teeth for at least 20 minutes to maximize its protective benefits [1]. During this time, fluoride works through a process called remineralization, where it helps repair the early stages of tooth decay by strengthening weakened tooth enamel. 

This recommendation is particularly important for people at higher risk of cavities, including those with dry mouth, frequent snackers, or people with a history of dental problems.

The Case for Rinsing

Some people dislike having the taste or feeling of toothpaste stay in their mouth, and there are valid reasons why rinsing might be necessary or preferred. People with sensitivity to certain toothpaste ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, may experience irritation if they don’t rinse.

Additionally, people with certain medical conditions or those who might accidentally swallow toothpaste may be advised by their healthcare providers to rinse thoroughly. If you do choose to rinse, using just a small amount of water is better than a thorough rinse, as this removes the uncomfortable residue while still leaving some fluoride on your teeth.

A fluoride mouthwash can also serve as an excellent compromise—you get the benefits of fluoride exposure while removing the toothpaste feeling that bothers you. These mouthwashes can be especially beneficial for children who dislike the taste of toothpaste in their mouths [2].

Tips for Optimal Brushing Routine

Achieving optimal oral health goes beyond just the rinsing debate. It’s crucial to use the right amount of toothpaste—too much can increase the feeling of discomfort from not rinsing. You only need about a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to properly clean your teeth.

It’s also important to brush for the full two minutes and ensure you cover all areas of your mouth thoroughly. If possible, you should also wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush your teeth and wait the same amount of time after brushing to allow your teeth to get the benefits of the fluoride.

Using an electric toothbrush over a manual one can provide added benefits, especially if you have a history of gum disease or find it difficult to hold a regular toothbrush [3].

Ask Your Dentist About Your Brushing Routine

Still unsure what’s best for you? It’s always a good idea to discuss your oral hygiene habits with your dentist, who can provide personalized advice based on your dental health needs. Contact your dentist today to ensure your brushing routine is as effective as possible, whether you choose to rinse or not to rinse!

Sources:

1. https://adanews.ada.org/huddles/should-you-rinse-after-brushing/
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6457869/
3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/rinse-brush-floss-scrape-and-repeat 

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1. Drinking Seltzer Water

Many people consider seltzer water, sometimes referred to as sparkling water, as a healthier alternative to soda.

While sparkling water with no added sugar can be better than soda in some instances, it’s still infused with carbon dioxide to give it bubbles. However, this carbon dioxide turns into carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the drink.

What this means is that whereas regular water typically has a pH of around 7, seltzer water has a pH of around 3-4 [1]. Some sodas have a pH of as low as 2, which is extremely acidic, but seltzer water isn’t as much of a healthier choice as people think.

2. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but it can still be damaged from acidic foods and drinks, bacteria, and yes, even brushing your teeth too hard!

Brushing aggressively isn’t necessary to remove plaque from your teeth. Take the time to brush each tooth and floss and harsh brushing won’t be necessary. And remember to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to further minimize damage to your tooth enamel!

3. Mouth Breathing

Breathing through your mouth can be damaging to your tooth enamel, especially when done on a regular basis. In fact, mouth breathing can promote gum disease and tooth decay [2]! People may breathe through their mouths when snoring, exercising, or just out of habit. Regardless, take steps to curb this harmful habit, which can dry out your mouth and promote bacteria that cause oral disease.

4. Snacking

Constantly exposing your oral cavity to snacks throughout the day can damage your tooth enamel. Snacking is fine, but try to limit your snacks so that you aren’t consistently eating.

When we eat food, our mouths begin to break down the food through bacteria and saliva. But eating too frequently or eating the wrong kinds of foods can harm teeth. When you do snack, choose healthy options such as apples or carrots!

5. Not Addressing Acid Reflux

If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), otherwise known as acid reflux, it’s important to have this condition under control. Not only can acid reflux be harmful to your stomach and esophagus—it can be extremely damaging to teeth.

For some patients with acid reflux, harsh stomach acids can travel up the esophagus and end up in the oral cavity, where they can wreak havoc on teeth. These acids can wear away tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity, discoloration, cavities, and even tooth loss [3].

Did you know any of these five things could hurt your teeth? Be mindful when taking care of your smile. By protecting your teeth and gums with regular healthy habits, you can smile bright for life!

Sources:
1. https://cspinet.org/tip/your-seltzer-habit-harming-your-teeth
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/oral-health/does-breathing-through-my-mouth-affect-my-dental-health
3. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/e/tooth-erosion-and-acid-reflux

The post 5 Ways You’re Hurting Your Teeth (And Don’t Know It!) appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But are electric toothbrushes actually more effective than manual ones? Here’s what research has to say about whether or not an electric toothbrush could get your teeth cleaner.

Electric Toothbrushes May Remove More Plaque

Some research shows that electric toothbrushes may remove more plaque—the substance responsible for tooth decay and gum disease—from the teeth. In one study, electric toothbrushes removed 21 percent more plaque compared to manual [1].

Electric toothbrushes could be more effective for people who have a lot of plaque in their mouths or have existing problems such as tooth decay and gum disease as the result of plaque.

Going Electric May Help Improve Gum Health

Because electric toothbrushes can remove more plaque, they allow people to clean their teeth in a way they otherwise wouldn’t, which can improve gum health [2].

Electric toothbrushes also tend to be a bit gentler on the teeth, which can be helpful for people who brush their teeth too hard with a manual toothbrush. Brushing too hard is a common cause of enamel damage and gum recession, so using a battery-operated brush may help people who have existing recessive or sensitive gum tissue.

Electric May Be More Effective for Some People

Switching from a manual toothbrush to an electric one may be more effective for people who have trouble manipulating their movements, such as people who are older, people who have health conditions such as arthritis, or even children [3].

These individuals may find it easier to operate an electric toothbrush to see a greater impact on the health and cleanliness of smiles rather than attempting to use a manual brush with limited control over its movement.

Brushing Is Important Regardless of What Method You Use

While some evidence shows battery-operated toothbrushes can be more effective at cleaning your teeth and gums, other oral health professionals say that as long as you’re brushing and flossing, it doesn’t really matter which one you use [4]. Whether you prefer a manual or electric toothbrush, it’s essential to keep up with brushing your teeth twice a day for best results!

Are you an electric toothbrush user or do you prefer a regular toothbrush? As long as you’re brushing your teeth and keeping your regular dental appointments, choose whichever toothbrush you enjoy using the most!

Sources:
1. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/08/electric-toothbrush-vs-
manual/index.htm
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652371/
3. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/electric-
toothbrush/faq-20058325

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But what does an effective daily oral health routine look like? Is brushing and flossing all there is to it? The following pointers can help you compose the best oral health routine that’ll impress your dentist during your next checkup!

Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day

While brushing your teeth two times a day for two minutes isn’t news to anyone, the quality of your brushing should be adequate enough to prevent oral disease.

To do this, you’ll want to be sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth with a soft-bristled
toothbrush. Toothbrushes with stiff or hard bristles can damage gum tissue and tooth enamel, so go for soft and brush carefully, not aggressively.

Remember not to brush too soon after eating, as this can strip away tooth enamel. Tooth
enamel is porous and can become softer after eating, especially if you eat acidic foods such as sweets or citrus fruits. You should wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush, although the American Dental Association advises a 60-minute wait [1].

Floss Once a Day

Flossing is often overlooked when it comes to oral care but so important. Since it’s impossible to reach all the surfaces of your teeth with a toothbrush, flossing helps to clean the surfaces in-between teeth to remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.

You should floss once every day, gently and carefully in-between every tooth. Being gentle can help minimize any injury to the gumline; you should never floss aggressively as this can hurt gum tissue and even contribute to gum recession.

Be sure to get in hard-to-reach places; just because you have trouble getting into an area with your floss isn’t an excuse to skip it!

Brush Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue is another component of oral care that many people neglect to do. Using a tongue scraper or your toothbrush can help remove bacteria from your tongue, especially those that cause bad breath [2].

You can purchase a separate tool for this practice such as a stiffer toothbrush or a tongue scraper. However, remember there’s no need to overdo it, a gentle scraping is all that’s needed to remove excess bacteria!

Eat Well

The role of diet in the health of your smile can’t be overstated. Be sure to eat nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens and get enough vitamins and minerals to support healthy teeth, such as calcium.

It’s also important to minimize your intake of refined sugars. In particular, soft drinks have been shown to contribute significantly to tooth decay [3].

Schedule Those Checkups

Remember not to skip the dentist even if you do take good care of your teeth. Regular checkups can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease and professional cleanings can help complete your oral care routine by removing plaque from difficult places.

Do you have an effective daily oral health routine in place? By following the above guidelines, you can ensure your smile is strong and healthy for life!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/brushing-mistakes-slideshow
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633265/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2676420/

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Flossing helps reach all the places in your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach, such as the
sides of two teeth that touch. Your dentist can show you how to correctly floss during your next
checkup, but how can you know if you’re flossing correctly now?

The following pointers can help you determine how well you’re flossing your teeth!

No Bleeding When Flossing

You shouldn’t bleed when you floss unless it’s your first time flossing in a long time. If you
haven’t flossed in a while, a bit of blood during your first couple times is normal.

If you believe you’re flossing correctly but are still bleeding regularly, see your dentist. This isn’t
normal and could mean that there’s another issue with your smile, such as gum disease.

Flossing, like brushing, should happen gently and shouldn’t irritate the gumline. Remember to
move the floss up and down the sides of your tooth—after all, this is what you’re aiming to
clean, not just pulling the floss back and forth and irritating your gumline.

The Amount of Floss You Use

For every flossing session, you should be using about 15-18 inches of floss. The American Dental
Association recommends using 18 inches. This is because you need to use a clean section of
floss after cleaning each side of your tooth. Otherwise, you’re just distributing plaque around
your mouth.

How much floss you’re using can help determine whether or not you’re flossing correctly. If
you’re using only a few inches, chances are you’re not having the positive impact on your oral
health that you want to be having!

Flossing picks or tools are not recommended for daily flossing; this is because they only allow
for about an inch of floss for your entire mouth. These types of flossers should only be used
when necessary out of convenience.

How Long It Takes You to Floss

Another indicator of whether or not you’re flossing correctly is the amount of time it takes you
to floss. It should take a good five minutes to properly floss in-between all your teeth. When

you’re first beginning your flossing routine, it might take longer, but once you become more
experienced, you should be able to do it in close to five minutes.

You Aren’t Flossing First

Ideally, flossing should be done before brushing. This enables you to remove plaque with your
toothbrush after you floss. When you floss after brushing, you allow the plaque to stay put until
your next brushing. Remember that in order to increase the effectiveness of your oral care
routine, floss first!

If you’re flossing correctly, you shouldn’t be seeing blood, it should take you a few minutes, and
you should be using an ample amount of floss. Are you flossing properly? Have your dentist
show you during your next visit!

The post How Can I Know if I’m Flossing Correctly? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The following are some signs that you might be harming your smile by brushing a little too
aggressively. Don’t ignore them!

Enamel Erosion

Enamel erosion is the most common sign of brushing your teeth too hard. You might be able to
see changes in your tooth enamel such as discolored or easily stained enamel. This is a sign that
your tooth enamel has worn away and that the dentin underneath is beginning to show
through.

Sensitive teeth is the main complaint of those with enamel erosion. The enamel is no longer
there to protect the inner layers of your tooth, so your teeth begin to feel temperature more
and may hurt as a result. Brushing your teeth too aggressively can wear away your enamel over
time, especially if you’re brushing immediately after meals.

Gum Recession

Gum recession is typically a sign of gum disease, but in cases where harsh brushing and gum
disease are both present, gum recession can accelerate. Gum recession happens when your
gum tissue begins to pull back from your teeth which may expose tooth roots and result in
intense tooth sensitivity.

If you have gum disease, you may be seeing other signs such as longer teeth or bleeding gums.
Aggressive brushing can irritate gum tissue and cause your gums to recede back from your
teeth. Gentle brushing is key for both teeth and gums for optimal oral health.

Cavities

People who take good care of their teeth through regular brushing are often surprised to hear
they have cavities when they go to the dentist. They may be brushing their teeth regularly, but
harsh brushing may be working against them when it comes to preventing cavities.

This is because harsh brushing can wear away protective tooth enamel, leaving your teeth to
become more susceptible to the bacteria and acids that cause cavities. If your dentist visits
frequently turn up cavities, it might be time to reconsider your brushing habits.

How to Brush Your Teeth More Gently

Brushing your teeth gently is easy when you choose the right toothbrush. Pick a toothbrush
with soft bristles, as plaque doesn’t need much pressure to be removed from your teeth.
Be more conscious of your movement when you brush. Are you sweeping in large strokes
across your rows of teeth? Focus on small, precise movements that cover all surfaces of the
tooth rather than large sweeping ones. For the sides of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t
reach, grab your floss!

Taking the best care of your teeth is all in the details. Gentle brushing tends to be more
effective than harsh brushing and can help build a foundation for a healthy smile. Reconsider
how you brush your teeth if you’re seeing these signs of aggressive brushing!

The post Am I Brushing My Teeth Too Hard? What Are the Signs? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Due to the grooves of teeth and hard-to- reach back teeth, spots get missed and plaque can
build up. When plaque isn’t consistently removed, it can turn into tartar, where it will need to
be removed by a dentist.

The following are important places you should brush in your mouth that many people miss. Are
you missing these places? Read on to find out more!

Gums

Although our teeth are the main focus of our brushing routine, the gumline should get some
attention, too. This is where your gums meet your teeth. Most oral healthcare professionals
recommend brushing with your toothbrush head angled down at a 45-degree angle towards
the gum-line to remove any food and bacteria trapped there.

It’s essential to be gentle when brushing your teeth and gums, especially if you have gum
disease or are experiencing gum recession. Brush carefully, ensuring you clean your gumline
while still giving your teeth enough attention.

Tongue

Many people also neglect to brush their tongue as part of their regular oral care routine.
Brushing your tongue is important—but why?

Your tongue is home to bacteria just like the rest of your mouth. It can cause bad breath when
not regularly cleaned, allowing bacteria and food particles to get trapped by mucus on the
surface of your tongue.

Fortunately, brushing your tongue is simple enough and doesn’t require any additional tools
besides your regular toothbrush. Start in the back of your mouth and brush towards the front
when it comes to your tongue and rinse with water afterwards. You don’t need much pressure
to get your tongue clean with your toothbrush, so again, carefulness and consistency is the best
way!

Back Sides of Front Teeth

While many people are relatively savvy at brushing all sides of their molars, the big teeth in the
back of the mouth, the front teeth are often overlooked.

These missed areas include the back of your front bottom teeth and the back of your front top
teeth, which include your incisors, canines, and laterals. Tartar can easily build up here if you’re
consistently missing these places when you brush.

Yes, brushing behind your front teeth will require some maneuvering with your toothbrush, but
once you get into the habit of it, these places will no longer feel difficult to reach. Beware of
hidden plaque in these areas—if you can feel the fuzzy texture of plaque on the back sides of
your front teeth, be sure not to miss these places when you brush today!

Do you commonly miss these essential places in your mouth to brush? From brushing the
gumline to your tongue to the back sides of your front teeth, getting all these areas is important
for removing plaque. Remember that a professional cleaning every six months can enhance
your oral care routine and ensure you’re not missing any spots!

The post Are You Missing These Important Places When You Brush? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

In fact, aggressive tooth brushing can harm your teeth more than help. When you brush your
teeth too hard, you can actually wear away enamel over time, leading to a variety of oral health
problems. Here are a few signs and symptoms you need to be a little gentler on your pearly
whites!

Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is no fun. Some people have such extreme sensitivity that only room
temperature foods and drinks are comfortable to consume. Tooth sensitivity can result from
enamel loss, which can happen through harsh or aggressive brushing.
Whether you have sensitive teeth already or you’re just noticing that eating ice cream or
drinking hot tea has become somewhat painful, this could be a symptom that your harsh
brushing is wearing away your tooth enamel.

Unfortunately, once tooth enamel is gone, it can’t be replaced, although sensitive teeth can be
treated with the right oral care habits and help from your dentist.

Enamel Erosion

Aggressive brushing can wear away enamel even over a short period of time. For some people,
their enamel is worn away after years of harsh brushing with a firm-bristled toothbrush. For
others, aggressive brushing immediately after a meal or drinking beverages such as soda or
juice can remove enamel.

Your dentist will be able to see if you’re missing enamel in places on your teeth. Remember
that enamel is the hard, shiny, protective layer over the softer tissues of your teeth. Without
enamel, our teeth are more prone to sensitivity, cavities, and discoloration. Regular visits to
your dentist and healthy eating can help keep tooth decay away even if you’re experiencing
enamel erosion.

Receding Gums

Gum recession is a common sign of gum disease—this happens when the gums slowly begin to
pull back from the teeth. You may see areas where the gum does not reach the tooth and
instead a brownish area remains. Gum recession can eventually expose tooth roots and lead to
painful sensitivity and even tooth loss.

However, gum recession can also happen as the result of aggressive brushing. Your gum tissue
needs to be brushed as well, but gentle brushing maneuvers will do the trick. Brushing harshly
could aggravate existing gum recession and cause gum tissue to recede further, resulting in
increased damage and sensitivity in your mouth.

If you’re experiencing signs of gum recession such as sensitivity or teeth having a longer-looking
appearance, you may be seeing a sign of gum disease and you could be worsening the condition
through harsh brushing.

Are you experiencing any of these signs and symptoms that you’re aggressively brushing your
teeth? See your dentist to determine what’s causing your symptoms and in the meantime,
invest in a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush your teeth. Remember that the quality of
brushing rather than the force is what’s important!

The post Signs and Symptoms You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Aggressively appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

After eating these foods throughout the day, you might want to spend a little extra time
cleaning your teeth. This doesn’t mean hard brushing, just a gentle, detailed cleaning 30
minutes or more after consuming these items.

Dried Fruits

Although fruit is generally considered to be beneficial to your smile, dried fruit is deprived of
much of its water. Water helps balance oral bacteria as well replenish your saliva. It also acts as
a buffer between the sugar contained in the fruit and your teeth.

With dried fruits, their sticky nature and reduced water content make them harmful to your
teeth. The fruits can stick to your teeth and cause damage to enamel. Dried fruits have also
been shown to spike blood sugar in a way that fruits in their natural form don’t.

Soda

Sodas have a high sugar content while diet soda contains artificial sweeteners, which tend to be
acidic and harsh on tooth enamel. Soda that contains traditional sugar is a huge plaque
generator. Since soda is a liquid, this plaque can get in virtually all spaces between teeth and
cause plaque in hard-to- reach places.

Always wait a minimum of 30 minutes after drinking soda or consuming other sweets before
brushing. For a sugar-free, calorie-free soda alternative, try sparkling water!

Bread

Carbohydrates, especially simple carbohydrates such as those found in white bread and
bleached flour, have been known to create plaque on the teeth and are damaging to enamel. If
you eat bread regularly, opt for a whole wheat version. This can help reduce plaque and will
enable you to have an easier time brushing your teeth.

Alcohol

Alcohol is extremely corrosive to your tooth enamel. This drink can also cause more plaque. To
help minimize the effects of alcohol on your teeth, be sure to drink water along with your drink.
Never brush immediately after consuming alcohol, and always brush carefully to help remove
plaque before it turns into tartar!

Candy

Sticky sweets such as candy are, like dried fruits, one of the worst initiators of plaque. They not
only stick to your teeth, but also generate harmful bacteria that can eat away at your tooth
enamel. Candy should always be eaten in moderation, if at all. The worst candies are caramels,
sour candies, and gummy bears.

When consuming candy, drink water to help reduce damage to your tooth enamel. You can
gently brush away the plaque and floss as part of your normal oral care routine.

Although brushing immediately after you eat these foods isn’t necessary—and might even be
harmful—you will need to spend some extra time brushing. These foods can generate plaque
which you’ll need to safely and regularly remove from your teeth to be sure it doesn’t turn into
tartar!

The post Spend Some Extra Time Brushing After Eating These Foods appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Aggressive Brushing

It doesn’t take much effort to remove plaque. This substance can easily be brushed off, making
hard or aggressive brushing not only unnecessarily, but damaging to teeth. If you use a medium
or hard-bristled toothbrush and exert force when brushing, you might just be damaging your
tooth enamel.

Aggressive brushing can wear away tooth enamel over time. It can even lead to receding gums,
which can create painful tooth sensitivity, especially when combined with enamel loss. Due to
this, cavities and gum disease may result. It’s not necessary to brush your teeth hard, so choose
a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush away the plaque!

Flossing Your Teeth Too Much

Flossing once per day is enough unless you have something that’s stuck in your teeth. You can
actually damage gum tissue by flossing too much or flossing too aggressively. When you floss
quickly or harshly, gums may bleed or become tender. Flossing too much can actually disrupt
the gumline, which can lead to receding gums and tooth sensitivity.

You only need to floss once each day. Remember that the quality, not the quantity, of your
flossing is important. Make sure you use enough floss to have a clean section between each set
of teeth. Floss gently, and take your time. The goal is to remove plaque and food particles that
could cause cavities, so apply gentle pressure and don’t hurt your gum tissue!

Frequent Daily Use of Mouthwash

Mouthwash is certainly beneficial for your oral health, but only when used appropriately. Since
many mouthwashes contain alcohol, this substance can be harsh on the tissues of the mouth if
overused. In fact, using mouthwash three times or more per day has been associated with an
increased risk of oral cancer.

You only need to use mouthwash one to two times per day in conjunction with your regular
oral care habits. It’s important to remember that mouthwash is by no means a replacement for
brushing and flossing, but rather a supplement. Your dentist can advise you more on when and
if you need to use mouthwash based on your unique smile!

So there you have it—while cleaning your teeth is absolutely beneficial for your oral health,
there are downsides to cleaning your teeth too much. These include stripping away enamel
from harsh brushing, irritating the gum tissue from flossing too much, and increasing your risk
for oral disease by using mouthwash too many times per day. Stay healthy and keep your teeth
clean!

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