Leading Dentist Issues Warning Over Electric Toothbrushes
A leading dentist from Manchester has warned people that they may be damaging their teeth by failing to use electric toothbrushes properly.
Dr Tariq Idrees from Carisbrook Dental said that people often assume they’re doing their dental health the world of good when investing in an electric toothbrush. However, using the brush incorrectly can actually do more harm than good.
According to Dr Idrees, many people use a traditional brushing action when using an electric toothbrush, when all that is required is minimal contact between the brush headand the surface of the tooth. Applying additional pressure only serves to damage the tooth enamel as you end up brushing too firmly.
Dr Idrees also recommended that the public avoid abrasive whitening toothpaste and wait to rinse with water after brushing. If you use fluoride toothpaste, rinsing straight away removes the fluoride. Once you’ve brushed, avoid rinsing with water or having a drink for the next 30 minutes. This will enable the fluoride to stick to your tooth enamel.
Another tip was to avoid brushing after eating. When you eat, the bacteria in your mouth release acids, which weaken your enamel. Brushing at this time can cause damage to the protective coating of the tooth. Try and wait at least 45 minutes to brush after you’ve eaten. When you brush, you should also use circular motions rather than moving your brush from one side to another.
If you have any questions about brushing or oral hygiene in general, your dentist or hygienist will be more than happy to help.
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