On days when I can’t wash my teeth…I heard that brown sugar water can remove tartar?

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people may have experienced a time when they were unable to see a doctor for periodontal treatments such as teeth cleaning and scaling, as they involve a lot of splashing operations. On days when teeth cleaning is not possible, some people "try every possible way" to remove dental plaque; others have heard that "teeth cleaning is unnecessary"...

Today, we will debunk some common rumors about periodontal health.

I heard that teeth cleaning will make teeth looser and the gaps between teeth wider?

The truth: This happens if you wash your teeth too late

The space between two teeth is filled with tartar, which squeezes the teeth together like a wedge. Therefore, when there is a lot of tartar, it is an illusion that the teeth are not loose. This illusion conceals the fact that tartar causes bone absorption and eventually leads to loose teeth.

In order to stop the progression of periodontitis and prevent the teeth from becoming loose, it is necessary to remove the tartar. In the short term, the looseness of the teeth will increase after the tartar is removed. As the treatment progresses and the inflammation is eliminated, the foundation around the teeth will become stronger again, and this looseness will be improved. Even if the looseness of the teeth cannot be alleviated due to too much alveolar bone defect, some professional dental materials can be used for "reinforcement".

Periodontitis causes loose teeth and gaps between teeth. The red and swollen gums and large tartar occupy the gaps between teeth, which are often not noticeable. Once the tartar is removed, patients often feel that their teeth are leaking air.

After professional teeth cleaning, the tartar is removed, the gums begin to reduce swelling and return to a healthy state, and patients often feel that there are gaps between the teeth. In fact, this feeling is also the reason for using dental floss, that is, the gums are slowly returning to health.

I heard: If you brush your teeth twice a day, you don’t need to have your teeth cleaned?

The truth: What is removed by teeth cleaning is tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing

Tartar is formed by calcium and bacteria in saliva deposited on teeth. There is an endless supply of saliva and bacteria in the mouth, and even dentists cannot completely remove all the dirt on teeth by just brushing.

The corners that cannot be brushed will accumulate over time and form pieces of tartar, just like oysters lying on the rocks at the seaside. Tartar sticks to your teeth and then grows slowly and becomes solid, which cannot be brushed off. At this time, you need to use the professional tools of the dentist to do a thorough cleaning.

I heard that your teeth are particularly sensitive after teeth cleaning?

The truth: The more sensitive you are, the more likely you are to have periodontal disease

If your teeth become sensitive after teeth cleaning, it means you have mild or severe periodontitis. Teeth cleaning is only the cause of tooth sensitivity, and the real root cause is periodontal disease.

If you are afraid of sensitivity and do not dare or are unwilling to wash your teeth, it will lead to worsening periodontal disease and eventually loose teeth. If you need to overcome sensitivity, you can use anti-sensitivity toothpaste to relieve discomfort.

I heard: Brushing your teeth with brown sugar water can remove tartar?

The truth: Brown sugar only accelerates tooth decay

I heard that kitchen oral care experts have "developed" a new "tooth protection" trick, which is to brush your teeth with brown sugar water, and some add salt, vinegar, oyster sauce, mashed garlic, etc.

Brown sugar is also sugar. Brushing your teeth with brown sugar water is equivalent to providing a lot of nutrients to the remaining bacteria in your mouth, which speeds up the proliferation of bacteria. Bacteria will produce more acidic substances, which may also cause the pigment on the surface of the teeth to fall off, but that is at the cost of tooth corrosion, which is harmful to oral health. Vinegar, various fruits, and various kitchen supplies often appear in rumors with brown sugar. Don't try to remove tartar in this way.

I heard that dental floss will make the gaps between teeth wider?

The truth: Not flossing will make the gaps between your teeth grow faster

First of all, dental floss is a special type of thread, which is generally composed of multiple ultra-fine fibers. These fibers will be flattened and deformed when passing between teeth, and will not artificially open the gaps between teeth.

In addition, dental floss removes bacteria and food debris between teeth, which has a cleaning effect, not a damaging effect. There are gaps between teeth, which are either filled with gums or food debris.

Therefore, many people have a feeling of "clearness" after using dental floss, and they feel that the gaps between teeth have been "enlarged". In fact, it is not the case. The gaps between teeth have become brighter again.

In addition, if there has been a certain amount of periodontal inflammation before, the gaps between the teeth will be filled with bacteria and the gums will be swollen. Once you develop the habit of flossing and clean the gaps between the teeth, the gingivitis will be reduced, the swelling of the gums will subside, and you will feel that "the gaps between the teeth have become larger."

Oral problems should not be ignored. Symptoms such as bleeding gums, swollen and painful gums, and toothaches should be taken seriously and treated early. In addition, prevention and protection are of utmost importance. First of all, you should brush your teeth correctly twice a day, rinse your mouth after meals, and use dental floss; pay attention to regular oral examinations, generally once every six months or a year. It is recommended that the public have regular teeth cleaning and receive periodontal treatment when necessary.