6 oral health facts that could change the way you brush your teeth

Are you brushing too hard, holding onto your toothbrush for too long or assuming it cleans every part of your teeth?

September marks South Africa’s National Oral Health Month, making it a good time to take a closer look at the habits that form part of your everyday dental routine.

Oral care brand Curaprox has shared six simple facts about looking after your teeth and gums, including how often to replace your toothbrush and the parts of your mouth you might be missing when you brush.

1. Brushing harder doesn’t mean cleaner teeth

If you think a harder scrub means a better clean, you might want to ease up on your toothbrush.

One of the biggest oral-care myths is that applying more pressure removes more plaque.

Gentle brushing with very little pressure can provide a comfortable and effective clean without the need for aggressive scrubbing.

2. Replace your toothbrush regularly

Your toothbrush isn’t designed to last forever.

Bristles wear down over time and become less effective at removing plaque, while a moist toothbrush can also accumulate bacteria.

“We don’t need to wait until the bristles start coming off before replacing our toothbrushes; it is recommended that we replace it approximately every three months,” says Richard Meyer, Managing Director of Curaprox South Africa.

Meyer also recommends considering replacing your toothbrush after a cold or infectious illness as a precaution.

3. Your toothbrush doesn’t reach everywhere

Brushing your teeth is important, but your toothbrush doesn’t reach every surface.

According to Curaprox, a toothbrush reaches only about 70% of your teeth, leaving spaces between them where plaque can remain.

The oral care brand recommends using interdental brushes to clean between the teeth. These use ultra-fine bristles, different sizes and flexible wire to reach the spaces a regular toothbrush misses.

4. Whitening toothpaste isn’t always better

A brighter smile shouldn’t come at the expense of your enamel.

Some abrasive whitening toothpastes can be harsh on enamel over time.

Curaprox Be You toothpaste contains glucose oxidase, a natural enzyme that creates a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide in saliva and is designed to gently whiten teeth and reduce bacteria.

5. Cavity-causing bacteria can spread between people

Bacteria associated with cavities can be transmitted from one person to another.

Parents and caregivers should avoid sharing spoons, pacifiers or feeding bottles directly from their own mouths with children.

Periodontitis, a bacterial infection associated with poor oral hygiene, can also be transmitted through kissing.

6. Your mouth can tell you more than you think

Changes to your mouth, teeth, gums and tongue can provide clues about wider health concerns.

That makes oral health about more than keeping your smile looking good.

National Oral Health Month is an opportunity to look at the small habits that form part of your routine, whether that’s easing up on the pressure when brushing, replacing an old toothbrush or paying more attention to the spaces between your teeth.

Your daily routine doesn’t need to be complicated, but your teeth and gums deserve more than a rushed brush twice a day.

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