What are some of your top recommendations on preventing teeth stains?
Dr. Tu Anh Vu: It may sound silly, but I recommend drinking everything through a straw. I even use a straw with my hot coffee every morning! Another thing you can do whenever you eat or drink something acidic or colorful, like red wine or coffee, is rinse your mouth out with water when you’re done. If you’re at home, I’d even go so far to say you should brush your teeth when you finish eating or drinking. Anything with acid in it is going to be bad for your teeth, and you’d be surprised how often you run into acids every day. Coffee, club soda, alcohol, and even red meat can be highly acidic. Another thing I’d recommend is to chew sugarless gum (it really does need to be sugarless!) after you finish a meal. Chewing gum will make your mouth produce saliva, which can help rinse your teeth off.
Additional ResearchIt's easier said than done, we know, but if you smoke or chew tobacco, quitting can also help you keep your teeth white. One study showed that 28% of smokers -- more than twice as many as non-smokers -- had moderate or severe staining on their teeth.
How can people avoid mistakes commonly made when brushing their teeth?
Dr. Tu Anh Vu: I’d say most people don’t brush for long enough. You’ve got to brush for at least 2 minutes every time you do it if you really want clean teeth. I’ve also seen a lot of people skip their tongue and the roof of their mouth, which is another common mistake. You’d be surprised how many people brush too hard, too. You really only need to use a soft, circular motion when you brush. I don’t see it as often as the other mistakes, but a lot of people forget about the molars at the back of their mouth. Don’t make the mistake of focusing entirely on your front teeth! Only use a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles. Medium and hard bristles are too abrasive and they can wear your enamel away. I’m not even sure why they still make those kinds of brushes, but they aren’t good for your teeth.
Additional ResearchIt's also important to replace your toothbrush regularly. The American Dental Association recommends getting a new one every 3 or 4 months (or sooner, if you notice that the bristles are starting to fray). Once the bristles wear out, even the best brushing techniques won't be as effective.
What are some common mistakes people make when flossing, and how can they correct them?
Dr. Tu Anh Vu: Many people just move the floss back and forth and call it a day. You really need to get into the gums and massage them with the floss to get gunk out. I see a lot of patients that stop flossing because they bleed when they get down into the gums, but that’s really just a sign that you need to be more consistent with your flossing. If your gums bleed when you floss, you have gum inflammation. Bring this up with your dentist the next time you see them. It’s a super common problem, but they should still take a look at it. Don’t worry about damaging your gums or teeth when you floss. Even if you do hurt your gums, they’ll heal on their own.
Additional ResearchExperts agree that flossing once a day works best for most people, so try your best to be consistent. Don't worry about when you floss (any time of day is fine) or whether you floss before or after you brush. Just try to make it happen once every day!
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