Teeth whitening – a way to make a snow-white smile. Teeth whitening in the office and with home methods, reasons for discoloration

Your teeth have lost their natural color? Are they covered with unsightly discoloration that the whitening toothpaste cannot remove? Find out about proven ways to whiten your teeth.

Do you drink a few cups of coffee a day? Do you drink a lot of tea, red wine? Or maybe you smoke cigarettes? All these factors contribute to the formation of discoloration and deposits that are difficult to remove with daily brushing. However, teeth whitening is possible – not only in the dentist’s office, but also at home.

Correction of the color of teeth in this way only for many people will certainly be insufficient. For this reason, the teeth whitening service provided by dental offices is so popular. Also on the shelves of pharmacies and drugstores you can find many preparations for self-whitening of teeth – some allow you to restore the original color, others brighten the natural color of the teeth.

1. White teeth – whitening secrets

Teeth whitening was initiated in the 20s. It was then that dental trays filled with a carbamide-containing antiseptic were invented. It turned out that the ingredients contained in the drug also brighten the color of the teeth. However, it was not until XNUMX years later that an article was published in which the whitening effect of carbamide was first described. Currently, there are two types of teeth whitening agents – for self-use and for use in the office.

Only chemically acting preparations have whitening properties. The other preparations, whose name suggests they bleach, actually only remove plaque. Ultimately, however, they do not change the color of the enamel or dentin – this category includes toothpastes, rinses, brushes and chewing gums. To actually change the color of the tooth, you should go to the dentist.

What is abrasive teeth whitening?

Abrasive tooth whitening is one of the two categories of improving the color of your teeth. It includes the following treatments.

Scaling

It can be both the first stage of full hygienization and the only treatment that will achieve a satisfactory effect – it all depends on the condition of the teeth. Scaling is based on the removal of tartar with an ultrasonic device that enables the reduction of hard dental plaque. Ultrasound breaks down the tartar on the teeth. Sometimes additional manual tartar removal is necessary.

There are three methods of scaling: ultrasonic, mechanical, and traditional. Ultrasonic scaling can be performed supra-gingival and subgingival. Supra-gingival scaling consists in removing the residual calculus from the surface of the exposed tooth. Subgingival scaling, also known as “deep scaling”, removes tartar and plaque that are harmful to the bones because they build up under the gum.

1. Indications and contraindications for scaling

Scaling is indicated if there is a white or yellow deposit in the interdental spaces, which cannot be removed with a toothbrush or dental floss. Ultrasound scaling is also used by pregnant women, if it is indicated – however, it is recommended not to perform it before the second trimester of pregnancy.

In the past, ultrasound scaling of teeth was not performed among patients using pacemakers, but now the pacemaker does not constitute a contraindication to perform the procedure – provided that it is not an old-type device. Otherwise, scaling is done manually. The procedure is similar in the case of patients with hearing implants.

1. Which dental procedures should be performed at the National Health Fund? Here are the dentist’s recommendations

Teeth scaling is a painless and comfortable procedure. However, patients with increased tooth sensitivity are advised to use anesthesia. Scaling does not pose a threat to health and life and has no harmful effect on the tooth tissue and gums – however, in order for this to be the case, the dentist must choose the right scaler tip.

Sandblasting teeth

Tooth sandblasting is a procedure to remove plaque from the surface of the teeth. As a result, it removes discoloration and tartar, but not as effectively as scaling. Usually it is a follow-up treatment after scaling. The device used for sandblasting teeth is a dental sandblaster that reaches all the gaps between the teeth. A stream of water comes out of it, containing cleaning particles and air bubbles.

The cavities on the surface of your teeth are spaces where plaque quickly builds up. Its presence makes the teeth and the area around the necks of the teeth susceptible to the development of caries. Thanks to sandblasting, it is easier to prevent periodontitis. Moreover, the teeth become whiter and brighter as a result. Teeth sandblasting should be performed at least every six months.

1. Indications and contraindications for tooth sandblasting

The discussed dental procedure belongs to the group of hygiene procedures. It prevents the formation of caries and periodontal diseases. Teeth sandblasting allows you to remove plaque, stains and discoloration caused by drinking coffee, tea or smoking. Thanks to it, the oral cavity gains protection against pathogenic microorganisms.

Inflammation in the mouth, which causes redness, swelling and itching, are factors that prevent the safe use of sandblasting. The procedure should also not be used by people who are allergic to soda or other ingredients that the dentist uses during the procedure, people with injuries of the oral mucosa and with ulcers on the stomach or liver.

1. What is worth knowing about teeth sandblasting?

Teeth sandblasting is painless. The procedure usually takes no more than 20 minutes. It is usually performed without anesthesia, but may be used if a person has sensitive teeth. Teeth sandblasting is safe and does not damage the enamel or the surrounding tissues, provided that the person performing it uses good quality equipment.

Teeth sandblasting protects against the development of caries and periodontal disease – these diseases can develop even in people who regularly brush their teeth. It also helps to maintain oral hygiene, especially when individual teeth are incorrectly positioned and when the patient uses removable dentures. It also removes plaque adhering to the teeth that are the cause of the disease.

1. How to prevent tooth decay?

The patient does not need to prepare for sandblasting. However, before this happens, the doctor or dental hygienist must assess the condition of the dentition to determine whether scaling should also be performed. After the procedure, you should not eat for at least 2 hours – drinking beverages and coloring dishes is also harmful. Otherwise, sore teeth may appear, which are slightly more sensitive after sandblasting.

The treatment, although it is one of the dental services, is not one of the most popular teeth whitening methods. It consists in the destruction of organic compounds inside the enamel with the use of substances intended for this purpose. These substances can destroy and discolor the pigment in the enamel layer. The effectiveness of the treatment results from the use of a high concentration of bleaching agent.

Chemical teeth whitening can also be a procedure that the patient will partially perform on their own. First, however, he receives a dental overlay and a brightening gel containing hydrogen peroxide or about 20% carbamide peroxide from the dentist. The dentist shows the patient at what times of the day and how much gel should be used. During the treatment, the patient should nevertheless remain under medical supervision.

1. Is chemical teeth whitening safe for health?

Opinions on this subject are divided. The method cannot be denied its effectiveness, but at the same time it interferes with the surface of the enamel and tissue. A side effect of chemical teeth whitening, occurring in 1/3 of patients, is tooth sensitivity – even if they used a low-concentration whitening agent. The higher the concentration of the whitening agent, the more likely it is that tooth sensitivity will occur.

Chemical teeth whitening can also damage the gum mucosa – approximately 33% of people who use the procedure complain about the disease. These preparations can also weaken the enamel due to the fact that they oxidize both its organic and inorganic elements. As a result, it leads to an increase in the tooth surface porosity and a reduction in its microhardness.

The residue after chemical whitening is the presence of hydrogen peroxide in the tooth tissue, which may be an obstacle in the treatment of caries in the future. After chemical whitening, carbamide peroxide may remain in the dental tissue, increasing the release of mercury from amalgam fillings. Therefore, chemical teeth whitening is always risky to some degree. Although it guarantees great results, it is often at the expense of health.

Read more about the individual teeth whitening treatments:

1. Teeth whitening at the dentist – LED or Beyond lamp?
2. Teeth whitening overlay
3. Dead teeth whitening
4. Teeth whitening with veneers

Teeth whitening preparations have the ability to remove plaque due to the abrasives they contain, which are also found in ordinary toothpastes. These substances are:

1. calcium carbonate,
2. calcium hydroxides,
3. magnesium hydroxides,
4. silicon oxide,
5. hydroxyapatite,
6. polymetakrylan.

These ingredients rub both plaque on the teeth, as well as enamel and dentin. The degree of abrasion is determined by the REA and RDA coefficients – the latter is more often used. The value of each of them is determined in a laboratory on enamel and dentin samples – during the test, the samples are exposed to the preparation. The test allows to determine the degree of abrasiveness of the preparation.

Many toothpastes have whitening properties. The most popular brands are such as Colgate, Blend-a-med and Lacalut. An alternative to them are, for example, Blanx toothpastes containing Icelandic lichen extract – the Polish distributor claims that the company’s products destroy Streptococus mutans bacteria.

The method of application depends on the type of whitening preparation – some of them should be administered by a dentist, others can be used by the patient on their own. The latter preparations have a lower concentration of active substances, so they do not allow teeth to be whitened as quickly as preparations for professional use. Moreover, preparations with a lower concentration are widely available.

1. What is the teeth whitening mechanism?

The teeth whitening mechanism is still not fully understood. Nevertheless, a general principle of its operation can be indicated, based on the fact that hydrogen peroxide diffuses through the enamel into the dentin. Meanwhile, it reacts with the dyes and oxidizes them – this causes their double bonds to be broken. As a result, the particles break down and absorb less light and thus become brighter.

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Bleaching preparations with carbamide peroxide work slightly differently. The ingredient is made by combining urea and hydrogen peroxide. The connection is unstable and disintegrates under the influence of water – thanks to this, free radicals are released that penetrate into the enamel. Subsequently, the urea is broken down into ammonia and carbon dioxide, and as a result, the pH value increases, which favors the bleaching process.

Teeth whitening, however, has its limit. When it is exceeded, the hydrogen peroxide loses its properties and the chromatophores are deficient. However, it begins to destroy the proteins of the enamel matrix and thus weakens the teeth. It’s no secret that oxidants weaken the structure of the enamel – and this is scientifically proven. To avoid this process, use bleaching preparations in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

1. Teeth whitening strips

These are preparations for self-whitening of teeth. They differ mainly in the method of application, but in terms of operation, they are similar. One of the most popular preparations of this type are whitening strips. They contain a polyethylene film coated with a gel containing hydrogen peroxide – the concentration of the active substance of the tooth whitening strips is from 5% to 6%.

The strips should be glued in the morning and evening – in both cases for 20 minutes. Both before and after applying the bleach, do not brush your teeth. Once the strip is removed, clean the teeth of any gel residue. Properly used whitening strips do not pose a threat to the teeth, but their intensive use may cause side effects, e.g. tooth sensitivity.

The advantage of whitening tooth strips is the price, much lower than the cost of professional teeth whitening by a dentist, and the whitening effect that is satisfactory for many, visible after a week of using the strips. Nevertheless, the strips can irritate the oral mucosa – this happens at least once during the 14 days of using the strips. Soft tissue irritation is another side effect.

1. Teeth whitening trays

Whitening trays are another group of teeth whitening products. They are placed on the dental arches at night. The method is similar to chemical whitening – in both cases the patient uses trays containing a whitening preparation. The use of teeth whitening trays does not require the supervision of a dentist, but at the same time the person using them does not have medical support.

There are overlays for the lower or upper dental arch available on the market. You can also buy a kit containing overlays for both dental arches and a gel for self-application. The active substance of the gel is carbamide peroxide – the gel should be applied for 10 minutes a day for a week. It is worth mentioning that there are also tooth pads with additional perforation to facilitate breathing.

Another possible complication is problems with the temporomandibular joint. They are caused by the wrong choice of overlays, which do not adapt to the patient’s occlusal conditions. These rails are made of templates. If during such treatment pain occurs in the area of ​​the temporomandibular joint, it is a sign to stop it immediately and contact a dentist.

It is worth seeing that the color of teeth does not only depend on what you eat and drink – it is also genetically determined. With age, the teeth change color, so the older you get, the darker the teeth are – this is the result of the natural mineralization of the enamel. Of course, eating habits and oral hygiene also influence the color of your teeth.

At home, teeth can be whitened using the above-mentioned whitening pastes, strips and gels. However, the enamel can also be lightened with easily available spices and substances that are used every day. They are:

Activated charcoal for teeth whitening

Activated carbon is used in medicine to combat diarrhea and flatulence. Nevertheless, it is also used to whiten teeth and is more and more often a component of whitening pastes. The purchase of activated carbon is an expense of several or several dozen zlotys. Activated carbon is easy to use and completely natural.

The ingredient removes impurities, bacteria, toxins and helps restore the natural color of the teeth. Its porous structure removes coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, juices, red wine and nicotine smoke deposits. Despite this, it will not be able to remove strong and permanent deposits due to the fact that it does not penetrate the enamel. Heavily discolored teeth should be whitened with the use of stronger substances.

Activated carbon has excellent abrasive properties. However, you shouldn’t brush your teeth with it more than twice a week. If you have sensitive teeth, consult your dentist before using activated carbon. To perform such a procedure, you can buy traditional activated carbon in tablets or capsules – both are available in pharmacies or in online stores.

To whiten your teeth with activated charcoal, you need to prepare a paste from it – to make it, just crush the tablets or sprinkle the contents of the capsules and add a small amount of water or coconut oil to them. Put the resulting goo on the toothbrush and brush your teeth for a few minutes and rinse the mouth thoroughly. It’s best to use this technique for several days in a row. The toothpaste should not be rubbed in intensively due to its porous structure and the possibility of abrasion of tooth enamel.

However, whitening teeth with activated charcoal has its opponents. On one of the websites devoted to dentistry, you can read that the described method poses a threat to tooth enamel. Activated carbon paste is highly abrasive and actually removes plaque and absorbs dirt, but it can be detrimental to enamel and pose a risk to dental health.

Teeth whitening turmeric

It has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and contains curcumin, a natural antioxidant. Contrary to appearances, turmeric is not only a kitchen spice – it is also used by specialists in the cosmetics industry. Turmeric helps to remove plaque and prevents plaque build-up on the teeth. What’s more, it also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps to protect the mouth from germs.

You can prepare a special whitening paste from turmeric, but also add it to your regular toothpaste. It can also be combined with coconut oil and peppermint oil. The resulting mixture has abrasive properties, so it removes the plaque accumulated on the teeth – and thus whitens the teeth. However, it is worth knowing that it is a hot spice and excessive use of it can irritate the gums.

1. How does curcumin protect against infections?

Teeth whitening with turmeric can be done in several ways. One is to brush your teeth with a powdered spice, preferably clean, uncontaminated, unprocessed, and dye-free turmeric. It is worth having a separate toothbrush, designed only for whitening teeth with turmeric – just dip it in water and dip it in a spice bag or teaspoon. Brushing your teeth should not take longer than 5 minutes.

1. How does toothpaste work for tooth sensitivity?

You can also prepare a whitening toothpaste from turmeric. Mix ¼ teaspoon of turmeric with an equal amount of coconut oil and peppermint oil. After mixing the ingredients, the paste will be immediately ready for use – just put it on the brush and brush your teeth. Like regular toothpaste, you can also keep turmeric paste in your mouth for a few minutes after washing, and then rinse your mouth with water.

Brushing your teeth with turmeric keeps your teeth smoother and plaque-free – it can also help them appear whiter. However, the treatment should not be used more than twice a week. Before using turmeric in this way for the first time, it’s a good idea to consult your dentist on this decision.

Baking soda for teeth whitening

Baking soda is present in almost every home. It can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors, as well as to wash dishes or whiten teeth. It is a component of various whitening agents and toothpastes for a reason. The substance helps to remove discoloration, but at the same time poses some threats to tooth enamel if it is used carelessly.

The powder has cleaning properties, so it actually removes surface tooth stains, but does not permanently change their color. Brushing your teeth with baking soda with the addition of lemon juice allows you to achieve a similar result to brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste. Even so, baking soda only removes discoloration and offers no other benefits to your teeth. Moreover, brushing your teeth too often can be harmful to them.

Coconut oil for teeth whitening

It is considered one of the healthiest oils on earth. It is used not only in gastronomy, but also in cosmetics. It serves, among others as a natural tooth whitening agent. After washing them with coconut oil, the teeth become brighter – after the first week of using the liquid. It also helps to stop bleeding gums caused by the build-up of too much tartar. It also combats tartar build-up and thus makes the gums healthier.

Coconut oils also have antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. This means that it fights cavities and unpleasant odors from the mouth – it is often used as a natural remedy for oral mycosis. It also destroys the strains of bacteria responsible for the development of caries and tooth loss. Coconut oil can form the basis of a natural toothpaste.

To prepare the coconut oil paste, in addition to the oil itself, you will also need essential oil (any) and baking soda. Combine 6 tablespoons of unrefined coconut oil with 6 tablespoons of baking soda and the aforementioned essential oil, e.g. eucalyptus or mint. You can also rinse the mouth with the paste – you need to suck oil.

Other methods of teeth whitening

You can even use a banana peel to whiten your teeth – you can polish your teeth on the inside. This will give them a shine – a good way to refresh your teeth before going somewhere. In addition, banana peel contains minerals that have a beneficial effect on both the gums and teeth. Teeth can also be whitened with strawberry paste, due to the high concentration of malic acid contained in it – however, it should be remembered that strawberries also contain sugar that is harmful to teeth.

Discoloration can appear on all teeth or only on individual teeth or on a group of teeth. They have a wide range of colors and can be very light and dark, sometimes even black. The color is significant and on its basis the cause of the discoloration can be determined – for this purpose, the doctor conducts an interview with the patient, during which he also determines the method of treating the disease or suggests a method of whitening the teeth.

The cause of discoloration is a diet rich in acids and dyes. Not only the mentioned coffee, tea, wine, but also other food products containing tannins, organic acids and chromogens are harmful to the teeth. These ingredients reduce the pH in the oral cavity and cause deposition of discoloration. Organic acids also destroy the enamel, making it thinner and therefore more easily colored by dyes present in sweet drinks and sweets.

Discoloration is also caused by improper oral hygiene – it is one of the most common causes of discoloration. They appear when the teeth are washed too rarely or inaccurately – it leads to the formation of white discoloration, i.e. signs of enamel demineralisation and primary caries. As enamel is weakened, it becomes more prone to dye deposition. Too rarely going to dental visits is also the cause of discoloration.

Teeth are also stained by medical preparations and diseases. Black discoloration occurs in people who have problems with the thyroid gland, with hormonal disorders or genetic diseases. Also, long-term use of antibiotics leaves a trace visible on the teeth – in this case it is gray discoloration in the form of stripes.

Why do white discoloration appear on the teeth and what can they mean?

White discoloration on the surfaces of the teeth may herald the following diseases.

Fluoraza

It is a developmental disorder known as a pathological condition. It arises as a result of too intense exposure of the tooth to fluoride while the enamel is forming. Clinical symptoms of fluorase are changes in enamel, but they depend on the severity of the disease – sometimes they appear in the form of single and sometimes combined streaks or spots. In severe cases, it is the cause of tooth shape changes.

The cause of the formation of fluorase is not fully understood. However, there are assumptions that it is caused by inhibition of the activity of lysosomal enzymes on ameloblasts. It can also appear in people who drank water with a fluoride concentration greater than 1 mg / l in childhood. The formation of fluorase is also influenced by the excessive intake of fluoride from various sources, e.g. drinking water, toothpaste or tablets.

The degree of severity of fluorase is described by the Dean index, which includes the following criteria:

1. 0 – correct condition. There are no stains on the teeth, the enamel is creamy white.
2. 1 – doubtful fluorase. There are delicate white spots on the enamel, making the enamel not transparent.
3. 2 – very mild fluorase. There are small spots on the enamel surface, irregularly distributed on the surface smaller than a quarter of the tooth space.
4. 3 – mild fluorase. More extensive spots appear on the tooth surface, but still do not occupy more than 50% of the tooth surface.
5. 4 – moderate fluorase. There are brown spots on the tooth surface.
6. 5 – heavy fluorase. All enamel is damaged. Brown discoloration or extensive depressions appear on the dental surface. The tooth in this condition is damaged.

The treatment of the disease consists in filling cavities. During this time, the patient should be under the constant care of a doctor. During convalescence, the enamel defects should also be reconstructed and supplemented with a composite material in a liquid form, thanks to which the enamel will remineralise. During this time, the patient should take particular care of oral hygiene, brush his teeth, floss them and not use toothpaste containing fluoride.

Diet is an important part of treating fluorase. Both adults and children with this condition should consume the following foods:

1. milk,
2. natural yogurt,
3. cottage cheese,
4. cheese,
5. almonds,
6. soy,
7. white beans,
8. tofu,
9. parsley,
10. sardines,
11. raisins,
12. grain products,
13. kale.
14. Enamel hypoplasia

There is an enamel deficiency in a patient with enamel hypoplasia. Therefore, the teeth lose their natural protection and are no longer resistant to external factors. They also become more sensitive to bacterial flora, chemical and thermal stimuli. This makes the teeth softer and therefore wears down faster. The development of the disease is caused by, for example, malocclusion, periodontal disease, a diet poor in vitamins and macronutrients, and some diseases of the digestive system.

The clinical picture of underdevelopment of the tooth enamel may have various symptoms. The changes are visible in the development of enamel and the external appearance of the teeth. The most visible spots are of various colors – sometimes the bloom is white and sometimes brown. The spots are densely arranged and look like a honeycomb. Sometimes they also have a linear arrangement.

Sometimes enamel hypoplasia deforms the teeth. It causes the crowns to change shape, becoming cylindrical or conical. The tooth then begins to look abnormal, has folds and furrows. Occasionally, the bite strength also changes due to the weakening of the tooth contact points. The disease can also appear in children – it occurs mainly up to the age of 1.

1. Antibiotic resistance? This may be due to a component of the toothpaste

The method of treating enamel hypoplasia depends on the severity of the disease. Lesions are treated with a composite material. Excessive tooth sensitivity, also a symptom of the disease, is reduced with the use of products with a high content of fluoride. Other helpful treatments used during convalescence are tooth fluoridation, sealing teeth and sometimes also teeth whitening – the last method is recommended only when the color of the teeth is significantly changed.

Demineralization

It is a process that releases calcium, phosphate and other mineral ions from enamel, dentin and cement. It is caused by acids produced in the mouth, which in turn are produced by plaque bacteria – bacteria produce acids by breaking down and metabolizing sugars obtained with food. Although the enamel is resistant to many factors, certain factors may cause the leaching of calcium – for example, the longer action of sugars and acids harmful to enamel.

The cause of tooth demineralization is poor oral hygiene and excessive consumption of sugar and acid rich foods. Apart from sweets, acidic foods, such as those containing citric acids, are also harmful – they can be found in lime, grapefruit and orange juice, which are especially harmful to the teeth. What’s more, acid is also found in tomatoes, sauerkraut, and borscht.

The treatment of the disease involves the use of fluoridation – fluoride prevents demineralisation because it becomes part of the tooth. However, this method should be adapted to the individual case so that the tooth receives a sufficiently large dose of the ingredient. This treatment is called “remineralization” and it is the easiest way to rebuild the enamel. Modern dentistry uses many methods of treating this disease. Some medical measures, such as toothpastes and rinses, are also immediate help.

Most often, dark discoloration on the teeth is yellow – when they appear on many teeth, they are usually caused by diseases caused by the blistering separation of the epidermis. They are also caused by nutritional deficiencies. Dark discoloration, especially when it comes to single teeth, is the result of the treatment process – then the teeth may become blue and gray. The color of the tooth may also change as a result of root canal treatment – a tooth healed in this way may turn black.

Teeth darken also as a result of smoking marijuana, inflammatory changes, filling the root canals of iodoform pastes. Some herbal decoctions, hormonal disorders and materials used by the dentist during treatment may also affect the color of the teeth.

One way to treat dark discoloration is to whiten your teeth. However, it can be avoided by taking proper care of the oral cavity in good time. Contrary to appearances, there is no universal method of treating discoloration – a change in the color of a tooth depends on various factors, so before taking any action in this matter, you should find out the cause of the disease / discoloration.

Whitening with overlays is an expense of PLN 400-800; laser teeth whitening – about PLN 150 for whitening one tooth and from PLN 700 to 2000 for whitening both dental arches. Teeth whitening with a lamp ranges from 500 to 1500 PLN. People interested in regenerative whitening should be prepared for an expense of PLN 1200-2000.

Do you want to whiten your teeth? We recommend in-office teeth whitening available on Medonet Market at an attractive price.

Teeth whitening definitely affects the condition of the enamel. After the treatment, the enamel becomes softer and thus weakened. If teeth treated with amalgam fillings are subject to whitening, it may release mercury during the whitening process. In addition, tooth and gum sensitivity may develop, especially during whitening with the use of overlays that have not been adapted to the dental arch.

The toothbrush deforms after about 3 months of regular use. After this time, the bristles also change shape. Brushing your teeth with the same toothbrush for more than 3 months is less effective. Moreover, using it poses a risk to the gums and may cause their injury. Nevertheless, it is important to store it properly – the brush must be kept in a clean container, free from bacteria and fungi.

1. How to care for sensitive teeth?

Flossing is an important element of dental hygiene – without it, there is no effective tooth cleaning. With dental floss, you can reach spaces between your teeth that cannot be cleaned with a toothbrush. You can also use an irrigator for the above-mentioned interdental spaces, which will make it easier to clean food debris from the teeth.

Another thing that shouldn’t be done is regular dental checkup. Regular visits to the dentist’s office allow you to avoid many diseases – adults should attend such check-ups every six months; children – once in three months. Thanks to this, it will be possible to detect carious lesions and prevent them. During the meeting, the hygienist or dentist will also show you how to treat any illness.

How to properly clean my teeth?

Brush selection

You can choose between manual and electric toothbrushes – the former are still the most popular. Among them, you can choose those with different levels of hair hardness. Regardless of whether you buy a hard, medium or soft toothbrush, each of them will help to clean your teeth of plaque and food. However, this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t matter which one you use – the universal brush is the medium bristle brush; Hard brushes are recommended for smokers and soft brushes for people with sensitive gums or periodontitis. Discover the offer of sonic toothbrushes on Medonet Market, which are especially recommended by dentists. Choose one that meets your expectations.

Toothpaste

When purchasing toothpaste, factors such as fluoride content, the presence of additives and the abrasion coefficient of the enamel should be taken into account. In terms of fluoride, it is recommended to buy pastes with an ingredient value of more than 1000 ppm. If you have oversensitive gums, use only toothpastes designed for such people. The last criterion for selecting a paste for the abrasion coefficient – its best value should be in the range between 50 and 70.

There are also fluoride-free toothpastes available on the market. The ingredient, although it has anti-caries properties, also has a harmful effect when too much of it gets into the body. It is not recommended to use, for example, dietary supplements containing fluoride, unless recommended by a specialist. The fluoride-free toothpaste contains only natural ingredients and is designed to reduce bacteria, plaque and refresh the breath.

Teeth brushing technique

Teeth should be brushed for no less than 2 minutes. It turns out that an adult’s teeth brushing time is on average less than a minute. Proper tooth brushing consists in making short brush strokes, especially at the gum line, in hard-to-reach places, around fillings and restorations. Each group of teeth should be cleaned with a sweeping movement to the outside. When brushing your teeth, it is also important to clean your tongue.

The purpose of brushing your teeth should not be to refresh your breath, but to remove food from the surface, gums and tongue. For this purpose, you can also use plaque coloring tablets – the tablet stains the plaque deposit and makes it easier to see and thus easier to remove when brushing your teeth. Interestingly, many parents give their children tablets, thanks to which the little ones are more motivated to clean their teeth thoroughly.