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You’re probably brushing your teeth wrong – here are four tips for better dental health

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clement-seeballuck-583867">Clement Seeballuck</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-dundee-955">University of Dundee</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicola-innes-388237">Nicola Innes</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-dundee-955">University of Dundee</a> We all know the advice for healthy teeth – brush twice daily and don’t eat too much sugar. So why do those of us following these instructions find we sometimes need a filling when we visit the dentist? The truth is, there’s a little more to preventing tooth decay than these guidelines suggest. Here’s what you need to know. <h2>Brush up on your skills</h2> How you brush makes a big difference. The mechanical act of brushing removes the very sticky dental plaque – a mixture of bacteria, their acids and sticky byproducts and food remnants. It forms naturally on teeth immediately after you’ve eaten but doesn’t get nasty and start to cause damage to the teeth until it reaches a certain stage of maturity. The exact amount of time this takes isn’t known but is at least more than 12 hours. Bacteria consume sugar and, as a byproduct, produce acids which dissolve mineral out of the teeth, leaving microscopic holes we can’t see. If the process isn’t stopped and they aren’t repaired, these can become big, visible cavities. Taking two minutes to brush your teeth is a good target for removing plaque and you should brush at night and one other time daily. Brushing frequently stops the bacteria developing to a stage where the species which produce the most acid can become established. Electric toothbrushes can be <a href="https://www.cochrane.org/CD002281/ORAL_poweredelectric-toothbrushes-compared-to-manual-toothbrushes-for-maintaining-oral-health">more effective than manual brushing</a> and a small toothbrush head helps to reach awkward areas in the mouth, while medium-textured bristles help you clean effectively without causing harm to gums and teeth. The main thing, however, is to get brushing! <h2>Use fluoride toothpaste and disclosing tablets</h2> Most of the benefit from brushing comes from toothpaste. The key ingredient is fluoride, which evidence shows <a href="https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002278/full#CD002278-abs-0003">prevents tooth decay</a>. Fluoride replaces lost minerals in teeth and also makes them stronger. For maximum benefit, <a href="https://www.cochrane.org/CD007868/ORAL_comparison-between-different-concentrations-of-fluoride-toothpaste-for-preventing-tooth-decay-in-children-and-adolescents">use toothpaste with 1350-1500 ppmF</a> – that’s concentration of fluoride in parts per million – to prevent tooth decay. Check your toothpaste’s concentration by reading the ingredients on the back of the tube. <a href="https://theconversation.com/childrens-toothpaste-the-facts-80508">Not all children’s toothpastes are strong enough</a> for them to gain maximum benefit. Your dentist may prescribe higher strength fluoride toothpaste based on their assessment of your or your child’s risk of tooth decay. Plaque is difficult to see because it is whitish, like your teeth. Disclosing tablets are available in supermarkets and chemists and they make plaque more visible, showing areas you may have missed when brushing. <h2>Spit, don’t rinse</h2> At night, you produce less saliva than during the day. Because of this, your teeth have less protection from saliva and are more vulnerable to acid attacks. That’s why it’s important to remove food from your teeth before bed so plaque bacteria can’t feast overnight. Don’t eat or drink anything except water <a href="https://www.sign.ac.uk/assets/sign138.pdf">after brushing at night</a>. This also gives fluoride the longest opportunity to work. Once you’ve brushed, don’t rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash – you’re washing away the fluoride! This can be a difficult habit to break, but can <a href="https://www.sign.ac.uk/assets/sign138.pdf">reduce tooth decay by up to 25%</a>. <h2>No more than four ‘sugar hits’</h2> Intrinsic sugars are found naturally in foods like fruit and they are far less likely to cause tooth decay than added or <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/sugar-salt-and-fat/free-sugars">free sugars</a>. Free sugars are generally those added to foods by manufacturers but also include honey, syrup and fruit juices. These are all easy for bacteria to consume, metabolise and produce acids from. However, it can be difficult to tell which are the worst sugars for teeth. For example, although normal amounts of fruit are fine, fruit juices have sugar liberated from the plant cells and heavy consumption can cause decay. <a href="http://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guidelines/sugars_intake/en/">The World Health Organization</a> and <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/food-and-diet/how-much-sugar-is-good-for-me/">NHS</a> recommend free sugars should ideally make up less than 5% of your daily calorie intake. So what does this look like? For adults and children over about 11 years old, this is around 30g – about eight teaspoons – of sugar daily. A 330ml can of Coke has <a href="https://www.coca-cola.co.uk/drinks/coca-cola/coca-cola">35g of sugar</a>. The <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phe.c4lfoodsmart&hl=en_GB">change4life app</a> is helpful to track how much sugar you consume in your diet. Although not as important as how much, how often you eat sugar also matters. Simple carbohydrates like sugar are easier for bacteria to digest than proteins or complex carbohydrates. Bacteria produce acids after they metabolise sugar which causes demineralisation. Fortunately, through the actions of fluoride toothpaste and the remineralising effects of saliva, your teeth can recover from the early stages of these attacks. It’s like having a set of scales – trying to keep the balance between sugars on one side, fluoride toothpaste and cleaning on the other. Typically, your teeth can be exposed to four “sugar hits” – episodes of sugar intake – daily without irreversible damage to the teeth. Why not try counting how many sugary hits you have a day? This includes biscuits, cups of sugary tea or coffee and other snacks with refined carbohydrates like crisps. A simple way of cutting down would be to stop putting sugar in hot drinks and limiting snacking. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, spit don’t rinse, eat and drink nothing after brushing, and don’t have sugar more than four times daily. Easy!<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/103959/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/clement-seeballuck-583867">Clement Seeballuck</a>, Clinical Lecturer in Paediatric Dentistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-dundee-955">University of Dundee</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicola-innes-388237">Nicola Innes</a>, Professor of Paediatric Dentistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-dundee-955">University of Dundee</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/youre-probably-brushing-your-teeth-wrong-here-are-four-tips-for-better-dental-health-103959">original article</a>.

Body

What happens to teeth as you age? And how can you extend the life of your smile?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/arosha-weerakoon-792707">Arosha Weerakoon</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> A healthy smile <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37314011/">helps us</a> live long, well and happy lives. But just <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37436910/">like our bodies</a>, our teeth succumb to age-related changes. So what happens to teeth as you age? And what can you do to ensure your smile lasts the distance? <h2>First, what are teeth made of?</h2> The tooth crown is covered by a hard enamel coat that surrounds softer, brown dentine, which protects a centrally located pulp. Enamel is a complex weave of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2584618/">brittle</a>, honeycomb-clustered strands that interact with light to make teeth appear opalescent (a pearly, milky iridescence). <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1601-1546.2012.00269.x">Dentine under enamel</a> forms most of the tooth crown and root, and is made of collagen, mineral, water and proteins. Collagen strands are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003996922002102?via%3Dihub#bib12">woven</a> to stretch and spring back, to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003996922002102?via%3Dihub#bib12">prevent teeth</a> from cracking and breaking when we grind and chew. The pulp has blood vessels and nerves that communicate with the rest of your body. Enmeshed in the dentine mineral and collagen are small, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8809302/">interconnected tubules</a> formed by specialised cells called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1047847799940960">odontoblasts</a> that settle around the pulp, once our teeth completely form. Each tooth contains a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23803461/">finite number of odontoblasts</a>, unlike the constantly replenished special bone cells that renew. <h2>How do our teeth change as we age?</h2> Unable to renew, our teeth <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003996922002102?via%3Dihub#bib19">become brittle</a>, and prone to fracture as dentine loses its spring. This is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002817714613532?casa_token=1K9Y6CJXmsAAAAAA:t6y_b_Iy02AWpUGaiz4H8Fk0Kdfx6z1ypHiGOEjFqFNlU1jvSRCVjfYOyysgIErJvgCzh33c2hfX">more common</a> in teeth with existing crack lines, large fillings or root canal treatments. With time, the outer surface of enamel <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022391305004348?casa_token=xXfdecXrLaoAAAAA:YE_0swAFtT3RyCUeJmPwciixQ0hwL-foLyC2RGtnlyUSJ9O-pPLQz0B8XNd4Gq1AMtCN2BgnCrqo">thins</a> to reveal the relatively opaque dentine that darkens as we age. The dentine darkens because the collagen weave <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1047847722000697">stiffens and shrinks</a>, and the fluid in the tubules <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590152422000010?via%3Dihub">fills with mineral</a>. The odontoblasts continue to form dentine inside the tooth to reduce the translucent pulp space. The increase in dentine makes our teeth appear <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003996913003294">opaque</a> and insulates from hot and cold sensations. This is why <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571215000494?casa_token=iiLtoxOZOYQAAAAA:RfaGR7lrq9dgWuO_nh6hLETzVUiIWdu-mB-Ev019vZH5t6meVyAHs3YpZzcu9FNrDBYQL6OExu6j">X-rays</a> are useful to detect cavities we may not feel. Food and drink particles fill micro-gaps and age-related fine crack lines that run up and down enamel to <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yash-Kapadia/publication/322509199_Tooth_staining_A_review_of_etiology_and_treatment_modalities/links/5b4cd922a6fdcc8dae245b7d/Tooth-staining-A-review-of-etiology-and-treatment-modalities.pdf">discolour and stain</a>. These stains are easily managed by <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772559622000207">tooth whitening</a>. How else can you extend the life of your teeth and brighten your smile? Here are seven tips to avoid dental decline: <h2>1. Avoid unnecessary forces</h2> Avoid <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2012.722">using</a> your teeth to hold things such as working tools or to open packaging. Take measures to avoid forces such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1882761622000059">grinding or clenching</a> by wearing a night guard. If you have <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0109564122002421">large fillings</a> or <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0109564122001579?casa_token=kQPjGNgU2iQAAAAA:ytMnT5MLV8aRehNyyWD7qC7FXSBE5xpPCxnzZ2ryKsuyJePq1jHisue1udtN0Cs6NDYJ37xYHy_5">root canal-treated</a> teeth, speak to your dentist about <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/aej.12002?casa_token=RwMhhwmgjwwAAAAA%3AGCWVA9vjFX68S2DdKbCFl4jwTAjMeqVDoT3GtXTSjA7SMEc3ksktOMCUSz9ArikD4XhBM5v08nGCvmVF0g">specific filling materials or crowns</a> that can protect your teeth from cracking or breaking. <h2>2. Share the load</h2> If you are missing molars or premolars, distribute chewing forces evenly to prevent overloading your remaining teeth. Replace missing teeth with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S010956411100858X?casa_token=4vrj3ssj0PEAAAAA:UODaFxNDCKmQ_lQs1faL6lh0xIeIfSFrRQBq-s0KF1ZvUJd6ytbXX37TVaiHLRzJPJaSDF_2aVmL">bridges</a>, <a href="https://aap.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1902/jop.2008.080188?casa_token=uA0r7imcRbUAAAAA%3AeXGszI5-Dcu4oKi33FCrRRviiAj0uyoP7V5wApIRQD1-1Zu-rkLAcoLhKMAJYVnC9tEnxj33UdNJIndEBA">implants</a> or well-fitted <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/13/6776">dentures</a> to support your bite. Get your dentures <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022391320301554">checked regularly</a> to ensure they fit and support adequately, and replace them at least every ten years. <h2>3. Preserve your enamel</h2> Reduce <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpe.12330?casa_token=W2Ib34A77-QAAAAA%3AnLZtwwqZuueyHf1CMX0K9MERSW_Pvc3w0KlpArFT1KNusuopjEUcWmGd8pDUA7fQcj6DMkcS-JnXISFV1w">further enamel and dentine loss</a> by selecting soft-bristled <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00016350802195041?casa_token=E-ErdP543QUAAAAA%3A0Wz5AWwQxntBIc3UndFX_5nVbAYoPDx-PX1tg7Umxjr_QepX3CSIFVXYcrrxWV9iTx99Afk8c_zff-o">tooth brushes and non-abrasive toothpastes</a>. Certain whitening toothpastes can be abrasive, which can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8874033/">roughen and wear</a> the tooth surfaces. If you are unsure, stick with toothpastes that are labelled “sensitive”. Reduce your exposure to <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2012.722">acid</a> in food (think lemons or apple cider vinegar) or illness (reflux or vomiting) where possible to maintain enamel and prevent erosion. <h2>4. Enhance your saliva</h2> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jtxs.12356?casa_token=1moXbwnrDQIAAAAA%3AHz3Im9lmR3h75TmG8FSUQH-8_0UGnQ9TNkgaPL79LlrCmwC3kzZZJaAB2mSZHf4X7PX5y3GKaVoY5cm5JA">Saliva</a> protects against acid attacks, flushes our teeth, and has antibacterial properties to reduce erosion and decay (holes forming). Saliva is also important to help us chew, swallow and speak. But our saliva quality and quantity reduces because of age-related changes to our salivary glands as well as certain medications prescribed to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19392837/">manage chronic illnesses</a> such as depression and high blood pressure. Speak to your doctor about other medication options to improve your saliva or manage reflux disease to prevent erosion. <h2>5. Treat gum disease</h2> Aesthetically, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37358230/">treating gum disease (periodontitis)</a> reduces gum shrinkage (recession) that typically exposes the relatively darker tooth roots that are more <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00220345231166294">prone to developing holes</a>. <h2>6. Manage and prevent senescence</h2> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36908187/">Cellular senescence</a> is the process that changes DNA in our cells to reduce our ability to withstand physical, chemical or biological damage. Cellular senescence enhances new cancer formation, the spread of existing cancers and the onset of chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease. You can prevent cell damage by managing lifestyle factors such as smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and chronic infections such as gum disease. <h2>7. Adapt and ask for help</h2> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jan.15769?casa_token=SC-LouFQThsAAAAA%3A4jcvLRuJ56dGEm7ttvMad65hvUoZ7V5nvILg5sLFVZo8jxyQGR6YFeTcfM8sByTbdVrCWR1O5ytI3Z_crA">Ageing</a> can affect our cognition, hand dexterity and eyesight to prevent us from cleaning our teeth and gums as effectively as we once could. If this describes you, talk to your dental care team. They can help clean your teeth, and <a href="https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/bjon.2020.29.9.520?casa_token=_rol0NXx9c8AAAAA%3Aq8zgxiMSASwF1MRQZnZzfzmttn2x7FfGwsiIv71C_s_PTTmGD9JOIbqqtLNXa0oF9ogOjOCZwwpwB94">recommend products and tools</a> to fit your situation and abilities.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/215786/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/arosha-weerakoon-792707">Arosha Weerakoon</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland and General Dentist., <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-happens-to-teeth-as-you-age-and-how-can-you-extend-the-life-of-your-smile-215786">original article</a>.

Body

What it means when your teeth fall out in a dream

Dreaming of your teeth falling out is never pleasant, but surprisingly and unfortunately they’re one of the most common types of dreams people experience and there are a few reasons why. 1. Insecurity or shame Dreams often represent feelings more than literal symbolism, and teeth falling out can represent issues with confidence and self-esteem. To interpret this dream, think about any areas of your life where you are experiencing shame or self-doubt. 2. Rebirth or transformation A theory popularised by renowned psychiatrist Carl Jung suggests that teeth falling out in a dream could represent a type of rebirth or transformation. Losing teeth is not necessarily a bad omen, but rather could be a sign of growth or positive changes, as adult teeth come in afterwards. 3. Loss or grief Losing teeth in a dream could represent a real-life loss or grief, and if the subconscious is trying to assimilate a real-life loss, it could lead to ‘losing’ things or parts of you in your sleep. 4. Lack of control Another popular idea is that losing your teeth in a dream is about control, more so a lack thereof. It’s important to consider if there is something in your life that makes you feel powerless, such as an issue out of your control or a sudden change. 5. Literal dental issues There is a possibility that dreaming of your teeth falling out could represent literal dental issues. Researchers in the Frontiers in Psychology study found that teeth dreams often correlated with dental irritation. Image credit: Shutterstock

Mind

19 handy uses for toothpaste that have nothing to do with your teeth

<h2>Remove scuffs from shoes</h2> A little toothpaste does an amazing job of removing scuffs from leather shoes. Just squirt a dab on the scuffed area and rub with a soft cloth. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. The leather will look like new. <h2>Clean your piano keys</h2> Has tickling the ivories left them a bit dingy? Clean them up with toothpaste and a toothbrush, then wipe them down with a damp cloth. Makes sense, since ivory is essentially elephant teeth. However, toothpaste will work just as well on modern pianos that usually have keys covered with plastic rather than real ivory. <h2>Clean your sneakers</h2> Want to clean and whiten the rubber part of your sneakers? Get out the non-gel toothpaste and an old toothbrush. After scrubbing, clean off the toothpaste with a damp cloth. <h2>Clean your clothes iron</h2> The mild abrasive in non-gel toothpaste is just the ticket for scrubbing the gunk off the bottom plate of your clothes iron. Apply the toothpaste to the cool iron, scrub with a rag, then rinse clean. <h2>Polish a diamond ring</h2> Put a little toothpaste on an old toothbrush and use it to make your diamond ring sparkle instead of your teeth. Clean off the residue with a damp cloth. <h2>Deodorise baby bottles</h2> Baby bottles inevitably pick up a sour-milk smell. Toothpaste will remove the odour in a jiffy. Just put some on your bottle brush and scrub away. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. <h2>Prevent fogged goggles</h2> Whether you are doing woodworking or going skiing or scuba diving, nothing is more frustrating (and sometimes dangerous) than fogged goggles. Prevent the problem by coating the goggles with toothpaste and then wiping them off. <h2>Prevent bathroom mirrors from fogging</h2> Ouch! You cut yourself shaving and it’s no wonder – you can’t see your face clearly in that fogged-up bathroom mirror. Next time, coat the mirror with non-gel toothpaste and wipe it off before you get in the shower. When you get out, the mirror won’t be fogged. <h2>Shine bathroom and kitchen chrome</h2> They make commercial cleaners with a very fine abrasive designed to shine up chrome, but if you don’t have any handy, the fine abrasive in non-gel toothpaste works just as well. Just smear on the toothpaste and polish with a soft, dry cloth. <h2>Clean the bathroom sink</h2> Non-gel toothpaste works as well as anything else to clean the bathroom sink. The tube’s sitting right there, so just squirt some in, scrub with a sponge, and rinse it out. Bonus: the toothpaste will kill any odours emanating from the drain trap. <h2>Remove crayon from walls</h2> Did crayon-toting kids get creative on your wall? Roll up your sleeves and grab a tube of non-gel toothpaste and a rag or – better yet – a scrub brush. Squirt the toothpaste on the wall and start scrubbing. The fine abrasive in the toothpaste will rub away the crayon every time. Rinse the wall with water. <h2>Remove ink or lipstick stains from fabric</h2> Oh no, a pen opened up in the pocket of your favourite shirt! This may or may not work, depending on the fabric and the ink, but it is certainly worth a try before consigning the shirt to the scrap bin. Put non-gel toothpaste on the stain and rub the fabric vigorously together. Rinse with water. Did some of the ink come out? Great! Repeat the process a few more times until you get rid of all the ink. The same process works for lipstick <h2>Remove watermarks from furniture</h2> You leave coasters around. But some people just won’t use them. To get rid of those telltale watermark rings left by sweating beverages, gently rub some non-gel toothpaste on the wood with a soft cloth. Then wipe it off with a damp cloth and let it dry before applying furniture polish. <h2>Clear up pimples</h2> Dab a bit of non-gel, non-whitening toothpaste on the offending spot, and it should be dried up by morning. The toothpaste dehydrates the pimple and absorbs the oil. This remedy works best on pimples that have come to a head. Caution: this remedy may be irritating to sensitive skin. <h2>Clean smells from hands</h2> The ingredients in toothpaste that deodorise your mouth will work on your hands as well. If you’ve gotten into something stinky, wash your hands with toothpaste, and they’ll smell great. <h2>Stop bug bites from itching</h2> Put toothpaste on your bug bite to keep it from itching. Dab a dime-sized amount onto your bug bite. This method also helps to cool down burns on your skin. <h2>Remove a stain from the carpet</h2> Rub toothpaste into the stain on the carpet with a toothbrush or sponge. Rinse with water and repeat until the stain comes up. <h2>Clean your foggy headlights</h2> Make the headlights on your car shine like new. Put toothpaste onto a sponge and scrub your headlight in circular motions. Wipe the toothpaste off with a damp cloth. <h2>Remove small scratches from your phone screen</h2> Rub toothpaste on the front or back of your phone (wherever there are scratches). The toothpaste will work to reduce the look of the scratches and make your phone screen look much better. Image credit: Shutterstock This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/diy-tips/19-handy-uses-for-toothpaste-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-your-teeth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home Hints & Tips

Dad left “furious” after mother-in-law rubs whiskey on baby’s gums

A dad has been left “furious” after learning his mother-in-law had rubbed whiskey on his six-month-old daughter’s gums as an “old fashioned” remedy for teething. Some have pointed out that the father’s response is a “red flag”, and perhaps the most concerning part of the story. Posting on Reddit’s “Am I the A**hole” forum, the baby’s 28-year-old first-time mother described the ordeal and asked whether she was in the wrong. She said she was at her mother’s house with her daughter, who is “teething horribly”. “My mum does some old fashion things and she’s really into herbs and natural healing and such, so she wanted to try rubbing whiskey on my daughter’s gums,” she wrote. “She said she did it to me and all three of my siblings. I let her, and it did seem to calm my daughter down a bit.” She told her husband when she got home and said “he was furious”. “He said that’s harmful to our daughter and it does not relieve any pain,” she continued. “He got really upset and said I shouldn’t let my mum do something like that, and told me I couldn’t bring our daughter to my mother’s anymore. “He’s since called the next two days off of work, and is super paranoid watching me every second with our daughter. I feel this is unfair.” While experts emphasise parents should never give whiskey or any other alcohol to teething babies, Reddit users had differing opinions. One wrote, “You’re the a**hole, yeah.” “I mean, you know alcohol is unsafe. It also happens not to work as a topical analgesic – if the baby quietens down, it’s because of the general sedative effect of alcohol. I think it’s hilarious how your mother conflates the use of a well understood but completely inappropriate drug with ‘herbs and natural healing’.” The second most popular reply said the woman was not in the wrong. “A tiny drop of alcohol on someone’s finger is absolutely not sedating a baby and is in no way harmful,” the user wrote. “Alcohol absolutely does have a numbing effect and is used topically for infants and adults with toothache as well. It’s absurd to get up in arms over something so mundane and he’s treating her like she allowed the baby to drink shots or something. I swear this sub is off the rails lately. Is it just solely populated by teenagers now?” A third chimed in, saying she made a “bad judgement call” but it was natural to take her own mother's advice. “It’s natural to look to our elders for guidance and to trust them,” they wrote. “While many mothers (including my own) have used this method, we know a lot more about these older ‘tried and true’ remedies these days … You’re not some monster that’s going to harm your child.” Others expressed that the husband’s reaction was worse than the old-fashioned teething remedy. “Honestly, if this is how your husband is reacting, that’s a red flag,” they said. “He’s right, it doesn’t relieve pain, and if you were to start doing it regularly, yeah, it can be harmful. However, it was a one-time thing that you told him about, and now you know not to do it again. “He shouldn’t be acting like it was a conspiracy to intentionally hurt your daughter.” Another user had the same opinion, writing, “Her husband literally took two days off work to micromanage parenting because of this? That’s excessive. It’s called having a conversation between two adults, saying, ‘We shouldn’t do this again’, and moving on!” A third said, "Your husband’s response is actually the most concerning part of this post … taking off work multiple days to ‘watch over’ your wife over something like this. “This should have been an easy discussion about how that’s not the right way to handle teething and then move on. “This isn’t real a big deal, the damage done to the child was literally zero. If this is how something like this is handled how are things that matter going to handled?” Image credit: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

The part of your teeth you’ve been forgetting to brush

Like so many things in life, brushing your teeth is a matter of quality over quantity. There’s no point in brushing your teeth four times a day if you’re doing it the wrong way. Jessica Hilburg, DDS and associate dean for clinical affairs at the NYC College of Dentistry, was recently asked by the Huffington Post about the most-common errors people make when they give their mouth the old once-over. "Sometimes people forget to brush the insides of their teeth, the surfaces that face the tongue and the palate," Hilburg said. "Sometimes people forget these areas because we don't see them when we look in the mirror. Food and plaque can buildup in these areas so it's just as important to brush there as it is on the front of our teeth where we can easily see." Hilburg added not brushing your teeth long enough or using the wrong amount of pressure while brushing your teeth is equally incorrect and can ultimately be damaging. "Applying too much pressure while brushing could damage gums and be abrasive to the teeth," she said. "Applying too little pressure while brushing just isn't as effective and will not remove the plaque as well as using gentle pressure. (Also) just rubbing the toothbrush back and forth in long strokes will not do as good a job as the short strokes because the short strokes allow you to get in between the teeth much better." She added, "The 'right amount of pressure' is pressure that feels comfortable, does not crush the bristles of the toothbrush (too much pressure) and of course leaves your teeth feeling and looking clean." What are your thoughts? Image: Getty

Caring

Dentist slams dangerous “aesthetic” teeth hacks

A dental surgeon has slammed a series of online hacks that show people attempting their own DIY dental work to achieve the perfect smile. Prominent Queensland dental surgeon Dr Heath Fraser has argued against grim TikTok viral trends that have people trying to whiten and straighten their teeth at home, saying these “tips” can cause serious damage. Among the worst offenders was a woman who filmed herself filing down her teeth using a nail file and promoted the tactic as a cheap way to get a straight smile. The bizarre video amassed thousands of views, with copycat users claiming they had also tried the hack and experienced no lasting damage. Dr Fraser, however, revealed people who filed their teeth could be setting themselves up for “invasive procedures such as fillings, crowns, veneers and even root canal treatment to resolve the erosion issue”. He described filing teeth as “highly irresponsible” and explained that “once tooth enamel has been removed it is impossible to regenerate”. “Even when performed in the dental chair by a professional, patients run the risk of eroding their tooth enamel,” he said. Other problematic “hacks” saw millions of TikTok users exposed to highly dangerous teeth whitening methods involving the use of household cleaners and hydrogen peroxide as a teeth scrub. Dr Fraser said there were enormous consequences for people who used these products on their teeth, saying they posed “irreversible risks to the health of your teeth”. Other users were desperate to straighten their teeth, as they shared how they tried using elastic hair bands in place of braces. Dr Fraser condemned the method, as one video racked up millions of views promoting the use of elastic bands. “Using elastic bands may work to move your teeth, but not in the aesthetic way you probably desire. The thin, tight elastic bands used by users on social media can penetrate the gum, severely damaging the soft tissue in your mouth which may ultimately lead to serious irreversible damage, including your tooth falling out from the root,” he said. Dr Fraser reminded people that for any dental work, attending a dentist is always the safest and most effective option. Image credits: TikTok

Beauty & Style

4 habits that are surprisingly bad for your teeth

While we’d never go weeks without taking a shower or eating, why is it that so many of us are guilty at neglecting our teeth every day? Just as much as taking care of your teeth is about keeping them clean and your breath fresh, it’s also about preventative maintenance. How many of these bad oral health habits are you guilty of? Not visiting the dentist enough Even if you think you go above and beyond when looking after your oral health – think brushing, flossing, and even use a special set of dental tools remove plaque – that still doesn’t mean you can skip your yearly cleaning at the dentist’s office. Make sure to schedule an appointment at least once a year. Brushing from side to side If you clean your teeth twice a day you deserve a pat on the back, right? Simply sticking a toothbrush in your mouth and moving it around is not enough. Good tooth brushing requires a certain technique. This does not involve any side-to-side action. Rather you’ll want to go in small circles. Forceful side-to-side brushing combined with an abrasive toothpaste can actually damage the teeth. You also need to ensure you brush along the gum line and the back of your teeth to loosen bacteria. Another big brushing mistake? Not doing it for long enough. While most people would’ve heard that the ideal length of time is two minutes, this is an arbitrary number, rather you should brush until you completely get all sides of every single tooth. Using a non-fluoride toothpaste Not all toothpastes are created equal! Some toothpastes, especially natural ones, brand themselves as fluoride-free, even though you need fluoride to achieve the healthiest mouth possible. Fluoride is essential because unless you remove absolutely every bit of plaque each day, fluoride can help replace the minerals worn away by bacteria-produced acid. Chewing on ice While chewing ice can be very refreshing, given that teeth don’t have great fracture resistance, it’s not a good habit to get in. Furthermore, as ice will take your mouth from warm to cold – and this tends to make things expand and contract very slightly – it can be enough to put little micro-cracks in your enamel. You can get away with it for a while, but the little cracks in your teeth can build up and one day, a piece might just break off. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Sink your teeth into Adam Liaw’s new podcast

Masterchef winner, celebrity chef, and writer Adam Liaw has added another string to his bow with the launch of his first podcast, How Taste Changed the World. The seven-part series, launched with Audible, sees Liaw explore the science and history behind our five tastes - salty, sweet, bitter, sour and umami - and how they have impacted everything from economics and agriculture to why we pair red wine with meat. “I’m very excited to be launching my first podcast,” Liaw told OverSixty. “Taste has been the driving force behind human civilization since before it even began, and the food we choose to eat has more meaning that we can even imagine.” Each 30-minute episode is an immersive and thought-provoking deep-dive into each of the tastes, as well as what even counts as a taste and what the future looks like. Liaw doesn’t tackle these topics alone either, enlisting the help of experts and sharing his own anecdotes and stories, with snippets from Liaw’s kids thrown in. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/adam-liaw-podcast.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Adam Liaw tackles the five tastes in his new podcast. Image: Supplied In another first for the Malaysian-Australian chef, Liaw will be taking the stage on Wednesday, June 1, for Vivid Sydney’s Ideas Exchange’s 2022 series, Audible Live: Stories Made to be Heard. Liaw’s will be the first in a series of three talks, where he will discuss his podcast, calling upon the interviews featured in each of the episodes to explain how vital salt is to our biology and how it turned food into a commodity that has underpinned the global economy for thousands of years, as well as how our taste buds helped establish democracy and how our hankering for sweet things has been used to sell us soft drinks. “Vivid Sydney’s Idea Exchange is the perfect forum for big ideas, and it doesn’t get much bigger than how our own biology has shaped the world around us!” Liaw said. Tickets for Liaw’s talk are available <a href="https://tickets.vividsydney.com/event/audible-live-adam-liaw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K5Prbfh0VnE" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Adam Liaw’s Audible Original podcast, How Tastes Changed the World, launches on Tuesday 10 May and is only available on Audible. The podcast is free for Audible members and can be found at <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/audible.com.au/taste__;!!CN7PONKNpoI9!-mXF9S_F_DMqMCTDde2SaXD57CpMgwUTRkGnVv1CH7Cm624ZM0--rRnzo7njnX7eT8xFmcpa4foNnTLeBvzisMaawQ$" target="_blank" rel="noopener">audible.com.au/taste</a>. On 1 June, Adam will be taking part in Vivid Sydney’s Ideas Exchange with Audible Live: Stories Made to be Heard, during which he’ll discuss the podcast in further detail. Image: Supplied

Technology

Sore jaw or damaged teeth? You might be suffering from bruxism

If you’re feeling stressed, you might notice you’re snappier with people or having trouble getting enough sleep. But, one area of the body that is greatly affected but seldom talked about when it comes to stress can be found in your mouth. Teeth grinding - also known as bruxism - can occur in almost anyone and result in broken fillings and cracked teeth. Before you get too worried about your oral health, you should know that everyone grinds their teeth at least a little bit. “Everybody grinds their teeth a little bit at night, it’s normal and we do it subconsciously - usually during dream sleep,” Dr Tami Yap, a lecturer in oral medicine at Melbourne University, told The Age. “If sleep is fragmented, you’re not getting solid sleep cycles, or you have a period of stress where you mood is impacted into the night-time, you will probably grind more.” The problems arise when grinding causes the teeth to become worn down or break, or if it causes the muscles in your face to ache. Additional symptoms can vary, from temperature sensitivity or a sore jaw to tension headaches or pieces of your teeth breaking off in your mouth. Though there isn’t a simple way to “switch off” tooth grinding, Yap explained, there are some things you can do to manage it. What makes us grind our teeth? According to Dr Elizabeth Milford, a dentist and scientific relations consultant for Oral-B, tooth grinding can be triggered by increased anxiety, not getting enough exercise, and poor sleep habits. Other habits can also exacerbate night-time tooth grinding, such as smoking, drinking large amounts of alcohol, and taking recreational drugs. But these habits are more influential on how much we grind our teeth during the day. Daytime tooth grinding is often triggered by our mood, habits, and stress levels. “When we are worried or highly stressed, we are physiologically perceiving a low-grade threat,” Yap explained. “And when this happens, stress hormones run around the body and the sympathetic system is engaged because the body is prioritising you to fight or flight.” With this comes extra tension in your muscles, with people often holding their teeth together like you would clench your fist. “And if you were clenching your fist, it would be very clear you shouldn’t be doing that. Similarly, if you’re touching your teeth together at times other than eating, you’re going to be loading your teeth more, and you’re going to get cracks, and possibly muscle pain.” What can you do about it? Minimising tooth grinding requires a holistic approach. Consciously choosing the position of your mouth and jaw and thinking about what our facial muscles are doing can help reduce it. “Teeth should only be touching when you’re eating, maybe when you phonate certain words and sometimes when you swallow,” Dr Yap said. “That amounts to a few minutes a day, the rest of the time the teeth should actually be apart.” Dr Yap recommends focusing on breathing, since this helps you become “more aware of how your mood and your stress is impacting changes on your body”. Treatment can also include jaw exercises, relaxation techniques, and custom-made dental appliances that reduce pressure on teeth. Dentists often recommend night guards, but becoming more aware of how we’re feeling and how our body is reacting will pay off in the long run.

Body

Do I need to floss my teeth?

As a dentist, my patients often ask whether they still need to floss even though they brush their teeth. The answer is – that depends. A <a href="https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008829.pub2/abstract">review of the research</a> on this topic found flossing, combined with regular brushing, reduced the chance of bleeding gums. But the review could not provide evidence flossing prevented holes (tooth cavities) from forming. This is likely <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1532338216301877">because</a> all of the included studies were conducted within one to three month periods. A few months is long enough to detect bleeding gums, but not for cavities to grow substantially. So studies in the review looked at the effectiveness of flossing on preventing gum disease rather than cavities. But at the very least, we know regular flossing protects our gum health, which in turn protects our teeth. So it’s definitely worth doing. The advice may be different if you have certain dental conditions – but we’ll get to that later. Why should I floss? Cavities and gum disease are mainly caused by plaque that accumulates on our teeth and gums. Dental plaque is part of a complex ecosystem that includes <a href="http://www.homd.org">800 different types</a> of bacteria found in our mouth. Our plaque’s unique <a href="https://www.pnas.org/content/108/10/4152.short">ecosystem</a> is a like a major city, and brushing is like Godzilla destroying the infrastructure. But plaque bacteria can rebuild infrastructure fairly quickly, which is why we brush frequently. Brushing, however, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-051X.1991.tb00109.x">isn’t very effective</a> at cleaning in between your teeth. And it’s the plaque that remains in these areas that leads to most <a href="http://www.parodontologie-utrecht.nl/media/boeken/boekintraoralhygieneevidence.pdf">cavities</a> and <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-051X.1992.tb02174.x">gum disease</a>. So that’s where flossing comes in – to clean between the teeth. If plaque on our teeth and gums are left long enough, the mineral in our saliva hardens it to form a white chalky substance called calculus. The calculus acts as a home to many different types of bacteria that can advance gum disease. Once formed, calculus is impossible to remove by brushing or flossing alone. It needs to be removed using special tools at the dentist. What’s the big deal about bleeding gums? Similar to the way doctors measure health by checking your blood pressure, dentists and hygienists gently <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-051X.1990.tb01059.x">poke</a> your gums to see if they bleed. Bleeding gums often signal the presence of uncleaned plaque and/or calculus in the area. You may even notice bleeding after you brush your teeth or eat certain foods. To a dental practitioner, bleeding gums indicate you’re at risk of developing advanced gum issues, called <a href="https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info">periodontal disease</a>. This condition sees the foundations that hold your teeth in your jaw bone deteriorate, eventually causing your teeth to loosen and fall out. Socially embarrassing by-products of advanced gum disease include: <ul> <li>loose teeth</li> <li>a yellow/brown smile</li> <li>large black gaps appearing between your teeth where the gums have shrunk away</li> <li>bad breath.</li> </ul> So the act of flossing can serve to safeguard your smile. Current evidence also suggests periodontal disease is associated with an <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1185/03007990802131215">increased risk</a> of heart disease and diabetes, among other health issues. OK, so I should definitely floss then? This depends on your current situation. Just like you wouldn’t mop your rug or vacuum the shower recess, we have specific <a href="http://168.176.239.58/cursos/odontologia/2016549/pdf/Claydon2008Cepilladoylimpiezainterdental.pdf">tools</a> to suit every cleaning situation. Flossing (effectively) is great if: <ul> <li>you still have most of your teeth</li> <li>your teeth are tightly jammed together</li> <li>your gums haven’t receded to leave triangular gaps between your teeth.</li> </ul> While for a lot of us this may be the case, for some of us, simply flossing our teeth and gums will be ineffective. Particularly if you have: <ul> <li>gaps between your teeth that are too large for floss to clean</li> <li>complex dental work such as <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/prd.12189">crowns, bridges</a> and <a href="http://www.quintpub.com/userhome/qi/qi_47_5_clark_p417.pdf">implants</a></li> <li>partial dentures (dentures that replace some missing teeth)</li> <li>orthodontic appliances such as <a href="https://orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/caring-for-braces/">braces</a>.</li> </ul> In these instances, we have to start thinking about interdental cleaning, or using other tools to clean between your teeth such as special Christmas tree-shaped brushes or sticks. If you don’t think flossing is right for you, ask about interdental (between teeth) cleaning during your next visit to the dentist. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to recommend products and a cleaning routine to suit your needs. Tips for good flossing To floss effectively, keep in mind: <ul> <li>floss at least once a day</li> <li>floss before brushing so it becomes part of your routine</li> <li>cut 30-40cm of regular floss for each use</li> <li>wrap most of it around the finger of one hand and 2-3cm around the finger of another</li> <li>slowly move the floss towards the gums to ensure you clean both teeth.</li> </ul> Flossing can cause some bleeding, but this will resolve over time. <iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KypRbdD68QQ?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> Flossing can take some time to master. But the more often you floss, the faster and better you’ll become. And what better time to practise than when you’re stuck at home during a pandemic? <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/arosha-weerakoon-792707">Arosha Weerakoon</a>, Lecturer, General Dentist & PhD Candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-i-need-to-floss-my-teeth-133245">original article</a>.

Body

How to have fabulous teeth at any age

Oral health is important for all of our wellbeing and prevention is the key. According to the National Oral Health Plan, three out of ten adult Australians have untreated tooth decay. Oral hygiene is an important health issue that affects all of us. Poor oral health is among the most common health problems experienced by Australians and it can lead to a slew of other problematic health-related issues. Why is oral health important? The last National Survey of Adult Oral Health showed more than fifty per cent of Australians 65 and older suffered from periodontal (gum) disease. As well as causing discomfort and social difficulties, poor oral health can lead to a suite of other serious health problems. An analysis by the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry indicated that people with gum disease were twice as likely as others to die from a heart attack and three times as likely to have stroke. Why? The researchers found that the bacteria that cause periodontal disease can release toxins into or travel through the bloodstream and help to form fatty plaques in the arteries. These plaque deposits can lead to serious problems, such as blood clots, which can block blood flow. Poor oral health may even be connected to Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in the UK discovered the presence of a bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis in the brains of dementia patients. The researchers noted that this bug is also usually associated with chronic periodontal disease. People with diabetes must be particularly vigilant with their dental hygiene as they have a lower resistance to infection and thus their gums are more susceptible to bacteria. Consequently, diabetics should regularly visit their dentist for advice on how to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Prevention is key Not surprisingly, the best way to avoid dental problems is through prevention. The National Oral Health Plan recommends that Australians receive an oral health check up and preventatively focused oral health care a minimum of once every two years. However, the consultation report also notes that four out of ten Australians with good oral health visited the same dentist at least once a year for a check up. Every individual has different dental needs, so consult your dentist to find out yours. On top of regular check ups, be sure to visit your dental practitioner urgently if you have pain in your mouth, bleeding gums or any sores, lumps or discoloured patches in your mouth. Did you know? Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months and after a cold is important because bristles contain bacteria. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash Brushing twice daily is crucial for removing plaque from your teeth. Aim to brush your teeth and along the gum line with a soft toothbrush after breakfast every morning and before going to bed each night. Also, be sure to brush your tongue to remove particles and bacteria that can build up on its surface, particularly towards the back. Finally, don’t brush too quickly after eating as this can brush acid onto your teeth, a process which erodes tooth enamel. Try to wait at least thirty minutes between your last meal and brushing or rinse your mouth out with water first. Getting into the habit of flossing (by sliding the floss between the teeth and using a saw-like motion) every day is important for removing plaque where your toothbrush can’t reach. In doubt if you are doing it right? Ask your dentist to show you how on your next visit. By flossing, you can effectively prevent - or at least cut down dramatically - on cavities and gum disease. Mouthwash can also help to ward off gum disease, but that’s only if you use a bacteria-fighting, non-alcoholic rinse after brushing and flossing. Ask your dentist for the best options for you. It is also important that dentures be cleaned with soap and water after every meal, to remove food particles and bacteria. Did you know? Chewing gum is good for you. Numerous studies have confirmed that chewing sugar-free gum can in fact reduce your risk of tooth decay. Chewing gum increases the production of saliva and makes your salivary glands larger and more efficient. This helps to protect teeth by keeping them clean and strengthening the natural production of enamel. Fluoride In the 1930s, American scientists discovered that towns with higher levels of fluoride in the water-supply experienced less tooth decay. Most Australian towns and cities were fluoridated in the 1960s and 1970s, and today around 90% of Australians enjoy the decay-fighting benefits of fluoride. According to the Australian Dental Association, it contributes to fewer fillings, fewer extractions and fewer visits to the dentist. Fluoridated toothpaste has also had similar effects. Did you know? Smoking has been proven to cause mouth cancer and gum disease. Quitting smoking will improve the health of your mouth, gums and teeth. Medication Medication with added sugar isn’t ideal for your teeth. Consequently, try and get sugar free medication, or if that isn’t possible get into the habit of rinsing your mouth out every time you take medication which includes sugar. Some medications can also cause xerostomia (dry mouth), which increases risk of tooth decay. Seek professional medical advice if your medication is giving you a dry mouth. Dental diet Eating foods with high levels of sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay. Aim to limit your intake of food with added sugars and try not to add sugar to tea or coffee. Fruit juices and soft drinks can also contribute, so aim to stick to tap water (bottled water doesn’t contain fluoride). Also, limit between-meal snacks as this reduces the number of acid attacks on your teeth and gives them a chance to ‘repair themselves’. Beneficial foods include ones that make you chew, such as raw fruit and vegetables. Calcium rich foods such as salmon, almonds and kale are also highly beneficial. Don’t forget to also consume plenty of dietary fat and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K2, which are found in quality butter, organic meats, avocados and eggs. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/how-to-have-fabulous-teeth-at-any-age.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a>.

Beauty & Style

Ask the experts: Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?

If you’re anything like me, celebrity smiles and Colgate ads make you feel guilty about your regular consumption of coffee, red wine, tea, and all the other fun things we’re told will stain our teeth. And the solution seems so easy – a box of whitening strips from the supermarket shelf tells us so. But does whitening teeth also remove some of what keeps them healthy? And might they be more easily stained afterwards? We asked five experts if whitening is bad for teeth. Five out of five experts said no… But they all had a pretty big caveat. It’s safe provided it’s done by a dentist. So for this you’re looking at upwards of a few hundred dollars, rather than just a trip to the supermarket. Here are their detailed responses: Alexander Holden – Dentist “Provided a custom-fitted tray is used to keep the whitening agent in contact with the teeth and away from the mouth's delicate soft tissues such as the gums and the oral mucosa (skin of the mouth), <a href="https://theconversation.com/50-shades-whiter-what-you-should-know-about-teeth-whitening-102474">whitening is safe</a>. Non-dentists can provide agents that release up to 6% Hydrogen peroxide; while lower than the concentrations dentists can use, this is still strong enough to cause damage if improperly used.” Kelly-Anne Hennessy – Dentist Tooth whitening is safe if it is provided by and monitored by a <a href="https://www.ada.org.au/getattachment/Your-Dental-Health/Resources-for-Professionals/Resources-for-Teens-12-17/Teeth-whitening-the-best-result-for-your-smile/Teeth-whitening,-getting-the-best-result-for-your-smile.pdf.aspx">registered dental professional</a>. It's important to have professionally-fitted dental trays and to use the correct concentration of whitening products for the correct amount of time. Some non-professional whitening products are acidic and can dissolve tooth enamel. Whitening is not recommended for people with a lot of sensitivity or who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Whitening will not whiten existing fillings. Madhan Balasubramanian – Oral health research While teeth whitening can be an effective treatment for patients, it's prudent to seek necessary guidance and expert advice from <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19543926">dental personnel</a>. A trained eye can help identify patient-specific reasons behind tooth discolouration, sensitivity to gums and desired cosmetic appearance. Initial chair-side assessment in a dental facility can help uncover these issues, before a viable solution is adopted. <a href="https://theconversation.com/50-shades-whiter-what-you-should-know-about-teeth-whitening-102474">Teeth whitening</a> procedures performed by dental personnel can provide a more reliable solution for patients. Home-based teeth whitening materials prescribed and monitored by dental personnel have been shown to be safe, effective and suitable for patients during their home-based whitening treatment. But this doesn't apply to strips or gels you might find in supermarkets. Michael Foley – Public health Tooth whitening is usually safe for teeth. Most genuine tooth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Higher concentrations (only available through dentists) are more effective, with longer lasting whitening. Peroxides can also cause tooth sensitivity and irritation or chemical burns to the gums, mouth and throat. But providing care is taken, whitening can be achieved with minimal risks. A few words of caution though. Not all teeth are suitable for whitening, and fillings and crowns won’t change colour, so seek advice from your dentist first. Many products advertised as ‘tooth-whitening’ contain no peroxides, only abrasives. While they may remove tea, coffee and tobacco stains (and unfortunately even tooth enamel – some are very abrasive), they will not ‘whiten’ teeth. And finally, Hollywood white, newsreader white, and supermodel white are not natural tooth colours. Please don’t overdo it. A healthy smile is the most beautiful smile. Rebecca Chan – Oral health therapist No, but you need to be seeking the care of an oral health professional (dentist, oral health therapist, dental hygienist or dental therapist). They will first perform a thorough assessment to identify the cause of your tooth discoloration and inform you about whether in-office whitening is a suitable option for your teeth. In fact, they may provide you with better solutions. For example, if the discolouration is a result of extrinsic staining, commonly from foods, treatments to mechanically remove stains will be more effective. Dental hypersensitivity is often a side effect from any whitening procedure. If the whitening procedure is provided by an oral health practitioner, formulations will often have remineralising agents aimed to strengthen the tooth immediately after the treatment to minimise these possible side effects. Written by Alexandra Hansen. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/we-asked-five-experts-is-whitening-bad-for-teeth-120828">The Conversation</a>.

Beauty & Style

6 tips for healthy white teeth

1. Go on a white-teeth diet If you’re quaffing red wine and black tea, or smoking cigarettes, expect the results to show up as not-so-pearly whites. Other culprits include colas, gravy, soya sauce and dark juice. 2. Chuck away your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every two to three months Otherwise, you’re just transferring bacteria to your mouth. According to dentist Harold Katz, the best way to brush is by placing your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums and gently moving it in a circular motion. Grip the toothbrush like a pencil so you won’t scrub too hard. 3. Use a tongue scraper every morning to remove tongue plaque and freshen breath One cause of bad breath is the build-up of bacteria on the tongue, which a daily tongue scraping will help banish. It’s more effective than brushing your tongue with a toothbrush too, says Katz. 4. Eat “detergent” foods that are firm or crisp to help clean teeth as you munch Apples are good, as are raw carrots, celery and popcorn. For best results, make “detergent” foods the final food you eat in your meal if you know you won’t be able to brush your teeth after eating. 5. Stay fresh Check by licking your palm and smelling it while it’s wet. If you smell something, it’s time for a sugar-free breath mint. Shopping for mouthwash? Make sure it’s alcohol-free. Mouthwashes with too much alcohol can dry out mouth tissue, making it more prone to bacteria. 6. Brushing your teeth first and last thing Are the two most crucial times of the day, as saliva which keeps plaque off teeth, dries up at night, so it’s best to have all plaque cleaned off the teeth before sleep. It’s also important to brush first thing in the morning to remove plaque and bacteria built up as you slept. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/6-Tips-For-Healthy-White-Teeth">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V">here’s our best subscription offer</a>. <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Beauty & Style

How to keep your teeth as you age

It wasn’t so long ago that anyone over 50 would be pretty much guaranteed not to have any teeth of their own left. Indeed, if we think back to our grandparents’ era, it seems that most older people had dentures. Nowadays there is an increasing number of Australians reaching old age with most of their teeth. However, while this change seems positive, according to Dr Lesley Russell of the Menzies Centre for Health Policy of the University of Sydney, it does present a whole new set of issues. “It has, ironically, made the oral health of the most vulnerable older people – especially those who live in residential care – even worse,” she says. “Dental decay is surprisingly active in older people; the importance of being able to engage in the activities of everyday living is highlighted by the fact that dental decay among older people in nursing homes is more than twice that of people of the same age living in the community. And the rate is twice as high again for people with dementia.” Poor oral health can lead to under-nutrition, Dr Russell says, creating a vicious cycle, which “can lead to preventable illness and premature death”. Looking to improve the health of your mouth and teeth? Here are some simple measures everyone can take, courtesy of the NSW Department of Health. 1. Eat well <ul> <li>Tooth decay is related more to the frequency of sugar intake, than the total amount of sugar eaten.</li> <li>Reduce the frequency of eating sticky and sugary foods – limit biscuits, cakes, sweets and other sugary foods.</li> <li>Eat a variety of nutritious snacks daily, such aws fruit, nuts and yoghurt. Care should be taken by people with dentures if eating nuts.</li> <li>Eat from each food group (vegetables, fruits, dairy, meat, cereals/grains) to support oral and general health.</li> <li>Eat fresh, crunchy foods like apples, celery and carrots. Slicing these foods can make for easier eating.</li> <li>Eat meals or snacks containing milk or cheese to help reduce acid that causes tooth decay.</li> <li>Drinking water with fluoride is one of the easiest ways to help prevent cavities</li> </ul> 2. Drink well <ul> <li>Fluoride in tap water helps to strengthen teeth and reduce acid that initiates tooth decay. Sugar is the source of bacterial energy causing tooth decay.</li> <li>Drink tap water daily – in most places in NSW tap water contains fluoride.</li> <li>Drink water after meals and snacks, and after taking medications (especially if they have been crushed and mixed with a sweetener).</li> <li>Keep the mouth moist by frequently rinsing or sipping with water.</li> <li>Avoid sugar in tea and coffee and reduce the intake of caffeine drinks.</li> <li>Limit the intake of acidic and sugary drinks (like fruit juice, soft drink and cordial)</li> </ul> 3. Clean well Poor oral hygiene allows the bacteria in dental plaque to produce acids and other substances that damage teeth, gums and surrounding bone. The daily removal of dental plaque and maintenance of sound dental health practices are the key aspects to preventing oral diseases. Tooth brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is the most effective and economical method of physically removing dental plaque from gums, tongue, teeth and/or dentures. Fluoride protects natural teeth by remineralising and strengthening tooth enamel. Natural teeth: <ul> <li>Brush morning and night, using a soft toothbrush on gums, tongue and teeth.</li> <li>Use a pea-size amount of standard fluoride toothpaste.</li> <li>Spit out residue toothpaste but do not rinse the mouth after brushing. This allows the fluoride to pass effectively into the teeth.</li> <li>Replace a toothbrush:</li> <li>when the bristles become shaggy;</li> <li>every three months; and</li> <li>following an acute infection, such as thrush.</li> <li>This helps to prevent harm to the mouth.</li> <li>Use dental floss and interdental brushes (with care) to remove debris from between teeth.</li> </ul> Dentures: People who wear dentures are at risk of developing fungal infections. Fungal infections can be associated with: wearing dentures at night; poor cleanliness of dentures; denture plaque; deterioration to the denture resin; diet; and pre-existing general health factors, such as diabetes. Further, a scratched denture can be a source of irritation and increase the risk of oral infections. <ul> <li>Clean dentures daily with a denture brush and liquid soap to remove plaque from all surfaces, then rinse well under running water.</li> <li>Do not use toothpaste as it is abrasive and can damage the denture surface.</li> <li>Hold the dentures carefully while brushing, and clean them in a bowl of water placed in a sink to protect from breakage if dropped.</li> <li>Brush gums and tongue with a standard toothbrush to remove plaque in the mouth.</li> <li>Remove dentures overnight and store in cold water. This allows gum tissue to rest.</li> <li>Cleaning your teeth daily is important to prevent the build up of plaque which can cause tooth decay and gum disease </li> </ul> 4. Play well <ul> <li>As with maintaining general health, exercise is important. Exercises for stronger cheek and tongue muscles and a healthy saliva flow help to maintain a moist mouth.</li> <li>Put air in the cheek and slide the mouth from side to side to exercise facial muscles.</li> <li>Run the tongue around the inside of the cheek to exercise the tongue muscles.</li> <li>Massage the sides of the face using a circular motion to improve saliva flow.</li> <li>Exercise facial and lip muscles by “oo” and “ee” movements of the lips.</li> <li>Mouth rinses and tongue cleaning may help keep your breath fresh.</li> </ul> 5. Stay well <ul> <li>Visit a dental professional regularly, even if you wear dentures.</li> <li>Protect the body from the sun with sunscreen, lip block, a hat, clothing, sunglasses.</li> <li>Use sugarless medicines, where possible.</li> <li>Use walking frames and do balancing exercises to reduce falls.</li> <li>Limit alcohol and don’t smoke or chew tobacco.</li> </ul> Written by Lynne Testoni. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/health/how-to-keep-your-teeth-as-you-age.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a>

Caring

9 foods to avoid to keep your teeth white

Certain foods can stain our teeth and give them the yellow tinge that nobody wants. So rather than heading to the dentist for a teeth whitening session you can simply avoid these foods (or brush well right after) to give your smile a chance to stay bright and white. Can’t say no to your coffee fix or your cherry snack? Just try cutting down as much as you can, or mix them with other things that will help reduce the effect. 1. Red wine You’ve probably experienced that less-than-glamorous red wine smile after a few vinos. And the bad news is that the staining can last even longer than your hangover. 2. White wine But don’t reach for the chardonnay just yet – white wine can cause yellow teeth as well. Not due to the colour of the drink itself, but the effect that the acid in white wine has on your teeth. It weakens them and leaves you vulnerable when you do tuck into something dark (like your ‘morning after’ coffee). 3. Tea and coffee It makes sense that dark drinks will stain your teeth, but if you’re a caffeine lover it’s fairly unlikely that you’ll be giving up your drug of choice. Add a little milk to help combat the discolouration. 4. Fresh lemon and lime It tastes great in your drink but the acid in these citrus fruits can affect the enamel on your teeth, removing the surface layer to reveal the yellow tones underneath. 5. Beetroot It’s not just your hands or shirt that get stained from this earthy veg. Beetroot affects your teeth in the same way. Try adding some cheese to help combat the negative effects of the beets. 6. Balsamic vinegar and soy sauce You may not know that the popular dressing balsamic vinegar is around fifteen per cent sugar, so the sticky dark liquid quickly attaches itself to your teeth, leading to discolouration. Soy sauce is high in salt as well as being dark in colour, which can also cause trouble. 7. Cherries and berries It’s getting obvious now that the darker fruits and veg can be contributing to your yellow teeth. But it’s not all doom and gloom – the health benefits still make them worth consuming, so long as you have a quick brush afterwards. 8. Fresh juice Now that you know about the acid in food affecting your teeth as well as the dark foods, you’ll think twice before adding those carrots, beets, turmeric, or citrus fruits to your freshly squeezed juice at the café. 9. Sports drinks It’s not only the sugar content that causes stains to ‘stick’ to the teeth – it’s also the acids that can lead to trouble. Water will always hydrate you more than a sports drink, and remember, it’s completely clear. Have you found anything else that has caused discolouration in your teeth? We would love to hear about your experience in the comments below.

Beauty & Style

For whiter teeth, add this to your morning cuppa

Everyone has their own preference of whether or not they add milk to their morning tea or coffee, but as it turns out, it may be the difference that could mean whiter, brighter teeth, according to a new study. "Tea is the second most consumed drink in the world, and the way it's processed affects how teeth are stained," leader of the study, Dr. Ava Chow said in a statement. "But we've found that the addition of milk to tea reduces the tea's ability to stain teeth." To determine these findings, Chow and her team of researchers soaked extracted human teeth in tea for 24 hours, some with milk, and others without. As was evident in the study, milk proteins prevented the drink’s tannins from staining of the teeth. According to Chow, the effect of milk’s addition is even more prominent than that of whitening toothpastes. Pass us that milk. Related links: <a href="/news/news/2015/08/tourists-stunning-photos-of-australia/">Stunning photos of Australia as you’ve never seen it before</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/08/worlds-most-liveable-cities/">Australian city named world’s most liveable</a> <a href="/news/news/2015/08/dying-man-holds-own-wake/">Dying man holds his own wake (before he dies)</a>

News

Shark attack: "I saw its teeth coming at me"

A British doctor surfing at Avoca Beach on the Central Coast has narrowly avoided a fishy fate while surfing, by punching a shark that had tried to attack him. It sounds like a scene from Jaws, but 25-year-old Charlie Fry managed to narrowly avoid disaster by channelling his inner-Mick Fanning when the shark crossed his passed. The marine creature reportedly bit him on the arm and shoulder just after his missed a wave. He’d be surfing with his two mates at around 4pm on Monday. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F7NewsMelbourne%2Fvideos%2F10156027682694301%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> "I felt a smack on my right shoulder and when I turned around the shark breach and I saw its jaw and teeth coming at me,” he told <a href="http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/" target="_blank">The Daily Telegraph</a>. “I just punched it with my left hand and shouted out to my mates and paddled so hard back to shore. “It was terrifying but it only lasted five seconds. I’ll get to tell the story for the rest of my life.” Mr Fry has been working as a doctor at Gosford Hospital for about two months, although he reportedly isn’t in a rush to let mum back at home know about the attack. “Geez I don’t know if I can tell mum, she might kill me,” he said. “I’ve just got here and I’ve already been attacked. “People keep asking me what shark it was but I have no idea. All I know is that it was big and scary.” What are your thoughts? Have you ever had a close encounter in the surf? Have you arranged your travel insurance yet? Save money with Over60 Travel Insurance. <a href="https://elevate.agatravelinsurance.com.au/oversixty?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=content&utm_content=link1&utm_campaign=travel-insurance" target="_blank">To arrange a quote, click here.</a> Or for more information, call 1800 622 966.

Cruising

The reason behind your sensitive teeth

If you are someone who experiences teeth sensitivity when enjoying a coffee or ice cream, you might be feeling quite frustrated. Sensitivity can stop you from enjoying your meals, as you are so worried about the pain that could come at any moment. But working out the cause of your sensitive teeth can play a major role in helping you to get rid of it. Have you got gum disease? When you have this, your gums start to recede, causing exposure to sensitive tissue underneath. You will also feel sensitivity if you have a tooth that is damaged and left untreated. Avoid this by ensuring good dental hygiene, brushing and flossing regularly, and having annual check ups at the dentist. Are you a bit heavy handed when brushing and using the wrong products? Use a soft bristled toothbrush and avoid putting too much pressure on your teeth when you brush as this affects your gums. When it comes to mouthwash and toothpaste, avoid those with whitening agents if you already have sensitivity, as the alcohol content will make it worse. Go for a sensitive toothpaste as these contain potassium nitrate, which will provide some relief. Do you have enamel damage? Things like teeth grinding, or using your teeth to open bottles (yikes!) can cause damage to the enamel on your teeth. You should also avoid bleaching your teeth if you already have issues with sensitivity. Have you just had a procedure (or do you need one)? If you’ve just had a trip to the dentist you can feel sensitive for weeks afterwards. This is perfectly normal but always ask your dentist if you feel it has been going on for some time. If you know you need an extraction or crown, it’s very common to feel sensitivity in the lead up to the procedure. Have you got any tips for dealing with teeth sensitivity that you’d like to share? RELATED LINKS: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/pains-you-should-never-ignore/">6 Pains you should never ignore</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2016/06/rules-for-denture-care/">7 top tips for keeping your dentures like new</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2017/01/calcium-and-maintaining-your-bone-health/">What you need to know about calcium and good bone health</a>

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Shark attack: "I saw its teeth coming at me"

The reason behind your sensitive teeth