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Caring for your teeth Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.

Answers to questions about caring for your teeth

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

What can I do about bad breath?

If you have bad breath it's important you visit your dentist so he or she can identify the cause. You must brush your teeth and gums regularly to remove any plaque and food that can cause bad breath.

Explanation

A range of things can cause bad breath (halitosis). So it's important to go to your dentist who will be able to find out what is causing the problem. It can be caused by a build up of bacteria and food around the teeth and gums because of poor dental hygiene. There are a number of other causes of bad breath including strong smelling foods, gum disease and smoking. Certain medicines, and medical problems such as dry mouth, diabetes and various infections, can also cause bad breath.

Your dentist will consider a number of factors to try and improve your bad breath. He or she will recommend some or all of the following.

  • Treatment for any decayed teeth.
  • Treatment for any gum disease - this may be done by your dentist or by a dental hygienist.
  • Oral hygiene advice - your dentist or hygienist will show you how to brush and floss your teeth properly and may recommend certain mouthwashes or tongue scrapers.
  • Antibiotics - if a throat, mouth or chest infection is causing your bad breath.
  • A visit to your GP, if your dentist cannot find anything that is causing your bad breath, or if he or she suspects that your bad breath is due to a medical condition.

Things that you can do that may help include:

  • brushing your teeth and gums thoroughly at least twice a day, following the advice of your dentist or hygienist carefully
  • using dental floss or inter-dental brushes to remove plaque and food from between your teeth
  • quitting smoking
  • avoiding strong smelling foods (such as onions, coffee and garlic, for example)

Further information

Sources

  • Chestnutt IG, Gibson J. Churchill's pocketbook of clinical dentistry. 3rd ed. Elsevier, 2007
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Should I brush my teeth straight after I have eaten?

No, you should wait at least one hour after eating before you brush your teeth.

Explanation

When you eat and drink the enamel on your teeth becomes weak. If you brush straight after eating it can cause the enamel to wear away, exposing the dentine underneath. This can cause pain and sensitivity and may lead to tooth decay.

You should wait for one hour after eating before you brush your teeth. This will give your mouth enough time to neutralise the acid caused by eating and drinking. It's also best not to snack on sugary food and drinks between meals as these can increase your risk of tooth decay.

The best time to brush your teeth is before breakfast and last thing in the evening before you go to sleep. It's particularly important you clean your teeth at night because when you're asleep the flow of saliva slows down, leaving your teeth more at risk from decay.

Further information

Sources

  • Frequently asked questions. Diet. British Dental Health Foundation. www.dentalhealth.org.uk, accessed 24 February 2009
  • Dental Health. British Nutrition Foundation. www.nutrition.org.uk, accessed 24 February 2009
  • Frequently asked questions. Dental erosion. British Dental Health Foundation. www.dentalhealth.org.uk, accessed 24 February 2009
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How often should I clean my dentures?

You should clean your dentures twice a day, just like you would treat natural teeth.

Explanation

It's important you spend time cleaning your dentures to remove food deposits and prevent a build-up of staining, plaque and tartar. Soaking them overnight in a denture cleaning product is not sufficient.

To make sure you clean your dentures correctly you should follow the simple tips listed below.

  • Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them.
  • Use a soft toothbrush and soap and water.
  • Make sure you clean all the surfaces of your dentures.
  • Don't brush too hard as this can damage the dentures.
  • Rinse your dentures thoroughly with water after cleaning.
  • If you soak your dentures using a cleaning solution or tablet, always use a toothbrush as well to make sure they're properly clean.

Over time you may notice a build up of plaque and tartar on your dentures. You should visit your dentist or hygienist and he or she can remove it using a special cleaning machine.

If you want to use a denture cleaning solution, powder or tablet, speak to your dentist first. Some formulations can permanently damage certain types of denture. Don't soak your dentures in hot water solutions because the colour of the plastic will be affected, and they won't look realistic. If your denture has metal parts, you must be particularly careful about your choice of cleaning fluid. Any products containing sodium hypochlorite or hydrochloric acid can corrode the metal.

Further information

Sources

  • Chestnutt IG, Gibson J. Churchill's pocketbook of clinical dentistry. 3rd ed. Elsevier, 2007
  • Mitchell DA, Mitchell L. Oxford handbook of clinical dentistry. 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Publications, 2007
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Why have my teeth and tongue suddenly turned black after treatment for a gum infection?

One of the most common causes of generalised staining is a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine gluconate. This is an antiseptic mouthwash, used to treat numerous oral infections.

Explanation

Chlorhexidine mouthwash is a very commonly-used and effective antiseptic, but unfortunately it can cause brown, greenish or even black staining. It also stains fabric, so be careful not to spill any on your clothes.

Make an appointment with your dentist if you notice staining on your teeth after using chlorhexidine mouthwash. He or she will be able to confirm whether the staining is due to your mouthwash or due to other causes. If it is chlorhexidine staining, your dentist or hygienist will be able to remove it using a special electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. Your tongue should go back to its usual colour once you stop using the mouthwash.

To prevent further staining while using chlorhexidine mouthwash, follow the instructions on the bottle very carefully.

  • There will be less staining if your teeth are clean before you use the mouthwash. Brush your teeth at least half an hour before using the mouthwash. Or, brush your teeth, rinse your mouth with water, wait five minutes and then use the mouthwash. (This is necessary because some ingredients in toothpaste stop chlorhexidine mouthwash from working.)
  • After using the mouthwash, don't drink tea, coffee or red wine (or eat any other strongly-coloured foods) for at least an hour.

Further information

Sources

  • Mitchell DA, Mitchell L. Oxford handbook of clinical dentistry. 4th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007
  • Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 56th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008: 603
  • Electronic medicines compendium. www.emc.medicines.org.uk, accessed 24 February 2009
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: June 2009

Caring for your teeth factsheet

 

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