Aunt Li is 65 years old this year and has always paid attention to health. Every morning, Aunt Li brushes her teeth diligently, but recently she noticed that her teeth have become a little yellow and her breath has begun to smell a little bad. She was puzzled: "I brush my teeth twice a day and use the most expensive toothpaste, so why are my teeth still not clean?" She decided to go to the dentist to find out the root of the problem.
Dentist Dr. Zhang carefully examined Aunt Li's teeth and found that there were some problems with her brushing method. Dr. Zhang asked, "Aunt Li, are you used to getting some water in your toothpaste when you brush your teeth?" Aunt Li nodded: "Yes, I've always brushed my teeth like this." Dr. Zhang smiled slightly: "That's the problem. ”
Dr. Teo explained that many people have the habit of dipping their toothpaste in water before brushing their teeth, but doing so can affect the effectiveness of the toothpaste. He explained in detail to Aunt Li the role of the ingredients of toothpaste and the correct way to brush her teeth, and emphasized that it should not be wet. After hearing this, Aunt Li suddenly realized that a small detail had such a big impact on dental health.
Through this story, it is not difficult to see that many people have affected their dental health in their daily lives because of some small habits. So, should toothpaste get wet? Next, we'll dive into this question.
The effects of toothpaste stained with water
Mechanism of action of toothpaste
There are a variety of ingredients in toothpaste, each with its own unique effects. Fluoride is one of the important ingredients in toothpaste, which can help prevent tooth decay and enhance the acid resistance of teeth. Abrasives are used to remove plaque and pigmentation from the tooth surface, making the teeth whiter. Foaming agents make toothpaste foam when brushing, helping to remove dirt and food debris from the surface of your teeth.
When toothpaste is used directly, these ingredients are able to fully exert their effects. However, if the toothpaste is moistened with water before use, the effectiveness of these ingredients will be affected. First of all, water will dilute the active ingredients in the toothpaste, reduce its concentration, make it stay in the mouth for a shorter time, and it is difficult to achieve the desired cleaning effect. Secondly, water can over-activate the foaming agent, resulting in too much foam when brushing, giving the illusion of "brushing clean", but in reality, too much foam will reduce the contact time between the toothpaste and the teeth, reducing the cleaning effect.
Changes after wetting
When toothpaste gets wet, the texture of the toothpaste becomes more diluted, causing it to have less adhesion to the toothbrush. As a result, the toothpaste slips easily when brushing and does not cover the tooth surface evenly. In this case, it is difficult to completely remove dirt and plaque from the surface of the teeth.
In addition, when the toothpaste is wet, the activity of the foaming agent is stimulated, resulting in a large amount of foam. Although the foam may seem like a lot, it doesn't mean it's cleanly brushed. Excessive foam will take up space in the mouth, reducing the area and time of actual contact between the toothpaste and the teeth, which in turn will affect the cleaning effect. Many people choose to end their brushing early because there is too much foam, resulting in insufficient brushing time, which further affects the cleaning of teeth.
At the same time, the increase in moisture in the mouth when brushing teeth also reduces friction when brushing teeth. The friction between the bristles and the tooth surface is weakened, which makes it impossible to effectively remove plaque and pigmentation, making the tooth cleaning less effective. This is one of the reasons why many people still have yellow teeth and bad breath even if they brush their teeth carefully every day.
The right way to brush your teeth
In order to ensure that your teeth are cleaned in the best possible way, it is important to brush your teeth correctly. First of all, you should choose a fluoride toothpaste and squeeze the dry toothpaste directly onto the dry toothbrush without getting wet. This ensures that the active ingredients in the toothpaste are fully functional.
Secondly, brush your teeth for at least two minutes to ensure that every tooth is thoroughly cleaned. Using the Pap brushing method, you brush your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gum line and gently brush your teeth in a circular motion. This method effectively removes plaque and dirt from the surface of the teeth and protects the health of the gums.
It is also important to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, which are able to better clean the tooth surface and gingival sulcus without causing damage to the teeth and gums. After brushing your teeth, you should rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove foam and residue from your mouth and keep your mouth clean.
The right way to brush your teeth
Tips for using toothpaste
When brushing your teeth, how to use toothpaste is a crucial step. Many people habitually get wet immediately after squeezing out their toothpaste, however, this practice may affect the cleaning effectiveness of the toothpaste. The fluoride and abrasives in toothpaste are key ingredients in protecting teeth from tooth decay and plaque. Wetting can dilute these ingredients and reduce their effect on the tooth surface. Therefore, it is recommended to squeeze an appropriate amount of toothpaste directly on the toothbrush and avoid using it with water to ensure that the effectiveness of the toothpaste is maximized.
Brushing time and intensity
The correct brushing time should be at least two minutes, which is the best time to ensure a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums. Prolonged brushing can effectively remove food residue and plaque, reducing the occurrence of tooth decay and periodontal disease. In addition, there is no need to overexert yourself when brushing your teeth, as excessive force can damage the gums and tooth surface, leading to tooth sensitivity and bleeding gums. Brush your teeth gently in a circular or alternating upward and downward motion, covering the front, sides and occlusal surfaces of each tooth.
Other considerations for dental health
The impact of eating habits on dental health
Eating habits have a direct impact on oral health. Foods high in sugar and acidity tend to adhere to the tooth surface and provide nutrient conditions for bacterial growth, leading to the formation of plaque and the occurrence of tooth decay. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the intake of sweets, sweetened drinks and acidic foods to maintain the acid-base balance in the mouth and help maintain the health of your teeth.
Regular oral care and check-ups
In addition to daily brushing, regular oral care is also crucial. Flossing can help you clean hard-to-reach areas between your teeth and prevent plaque buildup. Plus, using a mouthwash can help kill bacteria in your mouth and keep your breath fresh. Regular dental check-ups and scalings at the dentist can help detect and treat oral problems early and prevent periodontal disease.
Toothbrush selection and replacement
Choosing the right toothbrush is essential for oral health. It is generally recommended to choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a moderately sized head, which can effectively clean your teeth without damaging your gums and tooth surface. In addition, the replacement cycle of the toothbrush should be about 3 months, or when the bristles have worn out and become soft, a new toothbrush should be replaced in time to ensure the cleaning effect.
Proper brushing and good oral care habits are the foundation for maintaining dental health. Through the rational use of toothpaste, the correct brushing time and intensity, pay attention to dietary habits, regular oral care and check-ups, you can effectively prevent the occurrence of dental problems and maintain oral health. It is recommended that you adjust your oral care plan according to your personal situation to keep your teeth white and your gums healthy and enjoy a healthy and pleasant life.