Ditching the Hard Brush and Harsh Practices for Healthier Teeth
Common Errors in Oral Hygiene as Identified by a Dental Specialist (Stomatologist)
Were you brushing your teeth too hard? Relying on a toothbrush with stiff bristles might be causing unwanted damage to your teeth, leading to a condition known as wedge-shaped defects. Dental expert Tatiana Pikilidi explains how to avoid this issue through smarter oral hygiene practices.
Say No to Rough Brushing
- To protect your enamel and gums, opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles.* Avoid using aggressively hard toothbrushes that erode your enamel over time, particularly near the gum line and causing wedge-shaped defects.
Here's how to brush gently to ensure optimal oral health:
- Break the habit of vigorous back-and-forth scrubbing, and choose circular or rhythmic brushing instead.
- To further minimize damage, apply gentle pressure while brushing instead of pressing too hard.
Correct Angle for Optimal Cleaning
- Adjust your toothbrush angle to 45 degrees relative to the gum line.
- Brushing at this angle helps target plaque buildup without damaging the tooth surface or gums.
Avoid Abrasive Toothpaste
- Pick toothpaste with a low abrasive rating to prevent further enamel wear.
- To ensure a gentle brushing session, steer clear of toothpaste with high silica content or whitening abrasives if you're prone to wedge-shaped defects.
Brush Less Frequently and Smarter
- Stick to recommended twice-daily brushing sessions.
- Overbrushing or brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods/drinks can speed up enamel erosion.
Embrace Fluoride Treatments
- Fluoride fortifies enamel, lessening the risk of defects.
- Speak to your dentist about incorporating fluoride rinses into your oral hygiene routine, if necessary.
Regular Dental Visits
- Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups to keep your oral health in check.
- Early detection of wedge-shaped defects allows for swift treatment, protecting your teeth from further damage.
Manage Acid Exposure
- Cut back on acidic drinks and foods.
- Rinse your mouth with water following acidic consumption before brushing to reduce enamel erosion.
Following these expert tips from Tatiana Pikilidi will help maintain strong, healthy teeth, preventing wedge-shaped defects caused primarily by mechanical abrasion and enamel erosion from harsh brushing.
Want more advice on proper brushing techniques or product recommendations that cater to sensitive enamel? No problem! I'm here to help.
Science and health-and-wellness are integral components in maintaining optimal oral health. Adopting a delicate brushing technique, such as circular or rhythmic brushing, and choosing toothpaste with a low abrasive rating, are science-backed strategies to prevent enamel wear and wedge-shaped defects. These practices, when combined with regular dental visits and proper acid management, can help ensure strong, healthy teeth as suggested by dental expert Tatiana Pikilidi.
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