The most common doubts about oral hygiene (and their answers)

Sorry to the java lovers, but yes. Pigments from dark-colored drinks can get trapped in the ridges of tooth enamel. This means sodas too. They contain phosphorus, which depletes calcium levels in the body when consumed in excess. Though fruit juices are good for your health, drinking lots of citrus fruit juices that contain high levels of phosphoric and citric acid can cause dental erosion, says Colgate.

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Which beverages are beneficial? -

Which liquids won't harm my pearly whites?

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Answer - Drinking water throughout the day generally helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and food residue. Tap water, which naturally contains fluoride, also helps stop tooth decay.

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Answer -

A new study suggests that the polyphenols present in red wine can stop the cultivation of harmful bacteria in our mouths, according to the BBC.

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Smile! -

These tips should help keep your teeth sparkling. Say cheese!

Sources: (HuffPost) (MouthHealthy) (Oral Health Foundation) (Colgate) (BBC)

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Smile! -

These tips should help keep your teeth sparkling. Say cheese!

Sources: (HuffPost) (MouthHealthy) (Oral Health Foundation) (Colgate) (BBC)

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How many times a day should you brush? - Some say you should brush after each meal while others just once a day. Which is correct?

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Answer - MouthHealthy recommends that you should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.

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Should you brush before or after breakfast? - Surely after, right?

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Is there a right way to brush? - How should you hold your toothbrush? Do you brush in circles? Straight lines? Up and down?

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Answer - MouthHealthy states that you should hold your toothbrush at an angle of 45° to your teeth when brushing.

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Answer - HuffPost says you should brush in circles. Brushing from side to side breaks the thin, horizontal rods that make up the protective enamel of teeth.

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Is tongue brushing important? -

Isn't cleaning our teeth enough?

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Answer - Plenty of sources say no. A lot of bacteria gathers on the tongue, which can damage teeth and cause bad breath. Make sure to brush that all away!

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How often should you floss? - Is it really necessary?

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Answer - According to HuffPost, it is. You should floss once a day to make sure you remove food residue left in-between teeth.

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Are you using the right toothbrush? - Soft or hard? Electric or normal?

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How often should you replace your toothbrush? - Every six months? More? Less?

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Answer - According to MouthHealthy you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
Expert tip: try switching to compostable bamboo brushes.

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What type of toothpaste should you use? - Fluoride, baking soda, or whitening ones?

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Answer - Fluoride toothpastes are usually recommended as the mineral is proven to reduce tooth decay. Whitening toothpastes are good but baking soda ones can damage tooth enamel, says HuffPost.

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What about mouthwash? - Is this an indispensable part of your teeth-cleaning routine?

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Coconut oil and teeth? - Can using coconut oil on your teeth replace toothpaste?

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Answer - Though washing your mouth with coconut oil can bring some whitening benefits to your teeth, it's better not to dispense with toothpaste for good.

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What does it mean if I spit blood? - Is this serious?

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Answer - If you are spitting up blood every time you brush your teeth, it could be a sign of gum disease or tooth cavities. It's best to get this checked out by a dentist!

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How many times should you visit the dentist? - Once or twice a year?

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Answer - A trip to the dentist should be made at least twice a year.

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Does smoking really stain? - Will teeth turn yellow?

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tooth -

Yes, they will. The use of cigarettes is also bad for your teeth, says the Oral Health Foundation.

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What foods are good for your teeth? - We all know that candy and sugary foods cause tooth decay. So what can we eat?

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Answer - Dairy products are great as they contain calcium that promote strong bones and teeth. The HuffPost also says eating cheese produces saliva, which neutralizes acid in the mouth.

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Which drinks stain your teeth? -

Is a cup of coffee really that bad?

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Answer -

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Which beverages are beneficial? -

Which liquids won't harm my pearly whites?

Getty Images

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Answer - Drinking water throughout the day generally helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and food residue. Tap water, which naturally contains fluoride, also helps stop tooth decay.

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Answer -

A new study suggests that the polyphenols present in red wine can stop the cultivation of harmful bacteria in our mouths, according to the BBC.

Shutterstock

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Smile! -

These tips should help keep your teeth sparkling. Say cheese!

Sources: (HuffPost) (MouthHealthy) (Oral Health Foundation) (Colgate) (BBC)

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Smile! -

These tips should help keep your teeth sparkling. Say cheese!

Sources: (HuffPost) (MouthHealthy) (Oral Health Foundation) (Colgate) (BBC)

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The most common doubts about oral hygiene (and their answers)

Some you might never have heard of

20/03/25 | StarsInsider

HEALTH Teeth

Although we think we know what we're doing when it comes to brushing our teeth, there is a lot of conflicting information out there. It can often be difficult to separate expert advice from pseudoscientific conjecture.

With that in mind, check out the most commonly asked questions about oral hygiene, along with the right answers you need for excellent oral health! Click through the gallery to get started.