Are you one of the many people who believe they have a handle on their oral hygiene routine? Think again.
Brushing your teeth may seem like a simple task, but it’s easy to fall into bad habits that can harm your teeth and gums.
From not brushing long enough to using the wrong technique, many of us are unknowingly putting our oral health at risk.
In this article, we will reveal the top 8 alarming facts about your brushing habits that may surprise you.
Brushing Teeth Facts’ List
1• Brushing your teeth immediately after eating is DANGEROUS
It is generally not recommended to brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages.
This is because the acid can soften the enamel on your teeth, making them more vulnerable to being brushed away.
The American Dental Association recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages before brushing your teeth.
When you eat or drink something acidic, the acid can lower the pH level in your mouth and temporarily soften your tooth enamel.
A better practice is to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages.
This can help to neutralize the acid and wash away some of the food particles.
It’s also important to note that while brushing your teeth is important, it’s not the only thing that you should be doing to maintain good oral health. It’s also important to floss, uses an antiseptic mouthwash, and visit the dentist regularly.
2. Your toothbrush can’t be used anymore
When a toothbrush is worn out, the bristles can become frayed and bent, which can make it less effective at cleaning the teeth and gums.
Additionally, bacteria can accumulate on an old toothbrush, which can lead to re-infection or illness if the toothbrush is not replaced.
There are also some signs that can indicate that your toothbrush needs to be replaced.
- When the bristles look frayed, it means they are worn out, and can’t clean your teeth effectively.
- When the bristles become misshapen, it means they are no longer able to reach all areas of your mouth, and they can’t remove plaque and bacteria effectively.
- If you notice your toothbrush smells bad, it’s a sign that bacteria and mold might have grown on it.
Once you’ve decided that your toothbrush can’t be used anymore, you should discard it properly, and get a new one.
Some people choose to cut the bristles off of an old toothbrush before disposing of it, to prevent the bristles from being ingested by animals and causing harm to them.
3• Brushing your teeth is useless when rinsing
Rinsing your mouth after brushing your teeth can actually help to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris, and can also help to freshen your breath.
However, it’s important to avoid rinsing with water immediately after brushing your teeth, as this can wash away the beneficial fluoride that is left on your teeth from the toothpaste.
Instead of rinsing with water, it’s best to spit out the toothpaste and then wait at least 30 minutes before rinsing with water or drinking anything.
This allows the fluoride to be absorbed by your teeth, which can help to strengthen them and prevent cavities.
Additionally, it is better to use anti-bacterial mouthwash after brushing your teeth and not rinse with water to maximize the effect of fluoride.
Overall, the act of brushing teeth itself is important to remove plaque, but rinsing can have some benefits as well and can be part of a good oral hygiene routine, along with flossing and visiting your dentist regularly.
4• Poor oral hygiene can lead to heart problems
There is a growing body of research that suggests a link between poor oral hygiene and heart problems.
The connection between the two is not completely understood, but several possible mechanisms have been proposed.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums.
The bacteria in plaque can cause inflammation in the gums, a condition is known as gingivitis.
This inflammation can lead to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected.
The bacteria in plaque can also enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.
Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can adhere to the walls of blood vessels, contributing to the development of plaque in the vessels.
Additionally, this can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by narrowing or blocking the blood vessels.
5• Some whitening toothpaste can harm your teeth
Whitening toothpaste can potentially cause damage to the teeth if they are used excessively or if they contain abrasive ingredients that can wear down the enamel on the teeth.
Some whitening toothpaste contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which can bleach the teeth and potentially cause tooth sensitivity.
It’s important to use whitening toothpaste as directed and to not overuse it, as well as consult with a dentist if you have any concerns.
It is always good to be cautious with your oral hygiene, and make sure to brush and floss regularly, use fluoride toothpaste, and visit your dentist for regular checkups to maintain the health of your teeth.
6• The toothbrush was invented in PRISON
The modern toothbrush as we know it today was not invented in prison, though the history of toothbrushes is an interesting one.
The first toothbrushes were likely made from twigs or chew sticks and have been used for thousands of years.
The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese all had their own versions of toothbrushes, but they were not similar to the ones we use today.
The first bristle toothbrush as we know it today was invented in China in the late 1400s or early 1500s, but they were made with boar bristles, not the nylon bristles we use today.
The first mass-produced toothbrush was invented in the 18th century in England by a man named William Addis.
Addis, however, was a prisoner at the time he came up with the idea.
He was serving time in Newgate Prison and was looking for a way to clean his teeth when he came up with the idea for the modern toothbrush.
He later marketed his invention and it became quite popular and eventually mass-produced by others.
It’s worth noting that the toothbrush was not widely adopted as a regular oral hygiene tool until the 20th century, and mass production of toothbrushes with synthetic bristles began after World War II.
7• Is brushing teeth enough to Eliminate Bad Breath?
Brushing your teeth is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing bad breath, but it may not be enough to completely eliminate it.
The main cause of bad breath, also called halitosis, is the buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
Flossing and brushing your teeth can help to remove plaque and food particles that provide a breeding ground for bacteria, but it may not be able to completely eliminate all the bacteria in your mouth.
Here are some additional steps you can take to freshen your breath and remove bad breath:
- Scrape your tongue: The surface of the tongue can also harbor bacteria that can cause bad breath. Use a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush to gently brush the surface of your tongue.
- Floss: Flossing helps to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth, which can reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth: Rinse your mouth with water, or use a mouthwash that contains fluoride and/or antimicrobial agents to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Drink water: Drinking water throughout the day helps to flush out bacteria and food particles in the mouth, it also prevents dry mouth which can be a cause for bad breath.
- Visit your dentist: Regular dental checkups can help to identify any underlying oral health issues that may be contributing to bad breath, such as gum disease or tooth decay.
If you have persistent bad breath, it’s a good idea to see a dentist for a checkup, the underlying cause of the problem may be something serious, and it’s important to address it.
8• Electric toothbrushes clean better than manual toothbrushes
Many dental professionals and studies suggest that electric toothbrushes can be more effective at cleaning teeth and gums than manual toothbrushes.
Research has shown that using an electric toothbrush can lead to a reduction in plaque and gingivitis (gum inflammation) compared to using a manual toothbrush.
They also can be helpful for people who have limited manual dexterity, such as older adults or people with arthritis, by making brushing your teeth easier and more efficient.
Additionally, electric toothbrushes often come with features such as timers and pressure sensors that can help to ensure that the user is brushing for the recommended two minutes and using the correct amount of pressure.
This can be helpful for people who may not brush as effectively on their own.
In conclusion, brushing your teeth may seem like a simple task, but there’s more to it than meets the eye!
From the history of toothbrushing to the latest research on oral hygiene, these 8 facts have shown us that taking care of our teeth is an essential part of maintaining overall health and wellness.
So, the next time you grab your toothbrush, remember that you’re not just keeping your smile sparkling, you’re also taking care of your body from the inside out.
And remember, don’t be afraid to make brushing your teeth a fun activity for the whole family, try new flavored toothpaste, brush to your favorite song, or use an electric toothbrush, it can make brushing more enjoyable!
Happy brushing 😁!
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