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Tooth care products Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2008.

Answers to questions about tooth care products

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

 

How should I clean my teeth if I have a brace?

There are a number of products you can use to keep your brace and teeth clean. It's important that you look after your teeth while you have a brace to prevent your teeth becoming permanently stained. Your dentist or orthodontist can show you special techniques for keeping your brace clean.

Explanation

Tooth care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash can help to keep your teeth and brace clean and prevent conditions such as tooth decay.

You should brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. This will help to control plaque and prevent gum disease. Your dentist or orthodontist can recommend a toothbrush suitable for you and your brace. You should choose a brush with a small head so it's easier to move around in your mouth. The brush should have soft to medium nylon bristles. If you prefer to clean your teeth with an electric toothbrush, you should do so with care as it could damage your brace.

Interdental brushes are helpful to clean between your teeth and under your gumline. Interdental brushes are also useful for cleaning around the brackets of a fixed brace.

You may wish to use a fluoride mouthwash after cleaning your teeth at night. This can be helpful as an extra method of cleaning but you should ask your orthodontist for advice.

Plaque disclosing tablets can be used to show up areas that you might have missed when brushing your teeth. They contain a harmless dye that stains your teeth and shows up any plaque left in your mouth. This helps to make sure you brush your teeth correctly.

If you have a removable brace you should take the brace out to clean your teeth. It's important that you clean your brace thoroughly after every meal using toothpaste and a separate toothbrush. You should brush over a bowl of water to prevent damaging your brace if you drop it. When you clean your brace, be careful not to damage the wires and rinse the brace thoroughly with water after brushing.

Further information

Sources

  • Frequently asked questions. Living with my brace. British Dental Health Foundation. www.dentalhealth.org.uk, accessed 29 September 2008
  • Teens. Fixed braces. British Dental Association. www.bdasmile.org, accessed 29 September 2008
  • Retainers. British Orthodontic Society. www.bos.org.uk, accessed 19 September 2008
  • Frequently asked questions. Caring for my teeth. British Dental Health Foundation. www.dentalhealth.org.uk, accessed 29 September 2008
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What cleaning products should I use on my dentures?

It's important that you clean your dentures thoroughly twice a day, just like you would treat your normal teeth. This will help to remove food deposits, and prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to you losing more teeth.

Explanation

There are a number of products that you can use on your dentures to keep them clean and to remove plaque. When you clean your dentures you should use toothpaste or soap and water. Make sure you use a small to medium head toothbrush with soft nylon bristles to avoid scratching your denture. Soaking your dentures can help to remove stubborn stains and bacteria. You must not soak your dentures overnight and you will need to clean them with a brush after soaking. It's important that you don't use any type of bleaching products or very hot water, as this can weaken your dentures and cause damage.

If you have metal dentures or a softer lining made for your dentures, you should check what products to use with your dentist as some can cause damage.

Over time you may notice a build-up of plaque on your denture. You should visit your dentist or hygienist and he or she can remove the plaque using a specialist cleaning machine. He or she can also help remove stubborn stains that you can't remove with regular brushing.

Further information

Sources

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Can I chew gum instead of brushing my teeth?

No, you shouldn't replace your daily brushing and flossing routine with chewing gum. However, some research suggests that chewing gum for at least 20 minutes after meals and snacks can help to prevent tooth decay.

Explanation

When you eat and drink, acid is produced by the bacteria in your mouth. The acid breaks down tooth enamel and dentine and this can eventually lead to tooth decay. Saliva protects your teeth against decay by neutralising the acid.

Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal or snack can help prevent tooth decay because it stimulates saliva production. It's important that you only chew sugar-free gum as normal chewing gum contains sugar that can damage your teeth. Chewing gum is not recommended for children under six years of age.

You must spend two minutes cleaning your teeth twice a day to remove plaque and prevent gum disease and tooth decay. You should use fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth using dental floss once a day. It's a good idea to limit the amount of starchy sugary foods you eat between meals, as these can increase your risk of tooth decay.

Further information

Sources

  • Diet Advice. Sugar-free chewing gum. British Dental Association. www.3dmouth.org, accessed 29 September 2008
  • Wray D, Wray A. Understanding your teeth and mouth. Poole: Family Doctor Publications, 2000:11-22
  • Diet. British Dental Association. www.dentalhealth.org.uk, accessed 29 September 2008
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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: December 2008

 

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