Author: Dr. Varun Acharya

Can using a mouthwash completely replace tooth brushing? Unfortunately, it cannot. The physical act of tooth brushing provides mechanical removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth, and also helps stimulate the gums. Mouthwash, at best, is a supplement to good brushing and flossing technique.

The process of chewing sugar-free gum helps the mouth to produce more saliva – the mouth’s natural defence against acid; it usually takes our saliva about an hour to replace the minerals that the enamel has lost after eating. But chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after eating or drinking increases the flow of saliva, and helps replace the minerals more quickly. Brushing for two minutes twice a day is still the best way to keep teeth clean and healthy, chewing sugar-free gum during the day can be effective in neutralising harmful plaque acids and reducing the risk of decay.
Source: Oral Health Foundation

Most of us know that soft drinks are bad for your teeth, but did you also know that sports drinks can be very harmful too? Sports drinks are acidic by nature and contain sugar, a deadly combination that can rapidly destroy the enamel of your teeth, causing cavities and sensitivity. If you must have these drinks, it is recommended that you rinse your mouth or chew sugar free gum afterward to lessen the potential harm they can cause to your teeth.

How often should you change your toothbrush? While most dentists recommend that you change your toothbrush every three months, keep a look out for the toothbrush bristles “flowering” as seen in the picture below. When this happens, it’s time to get rid of your old toothbrush as it can no longer clean your teeth effectively.

Some of us are in the habit of biting objects when stressed. Most commonly, people bite their nails, pen caps, etc. These objects can be sharp, hard and harmful to your teeth. The plastic materials can also result in transfer of microbes. Biting of objects can even cause the tooth enamel to erode. Other risks include sore or damaged gum tissue and the spread of bacteria from these surfaces to the bloodstream.

Mouth ulcers or canker sores are often painful and hinder your daily life. They are often caused due to multiple reasons like biting the cheek, sharp teeth, aggressive brushing or poorly fitting dentures. Using our advanced dental lasers, we can now speed up the healing of mouth ulcers painlessly.

Plaque and tartar deposits on teeth are caused by bacteria. If they aren’t removed in time, it can irritate the gums and can cause gum disease. If left untreated it can affect the jaw bone and lead to a more severe disease called periodontitis, eventually leading to tooth loss. Regular professional teeth cleaning is the only way to prevent this.

DidYouKnow Brushing twice a day with a fluoride-rich toothpaste keeps your teeth healthy and protected. Fluoride is particularly important to help prevent tooth decay, strengthen the tooth enamel and protect teeth against acidic food. Choose your toothpaste wisely.