My teeth are sensitive, what can I use?

There are several toothpastes that contain ‘desensitising agents' to help reduce the pain of sensitive teeth. Some people find that rubbing this toothpaste along the affected area and leaving it on overnight helps ease the discomfort.

My teeth are stained, what toothpaste should I use?

There are toothpastes which can help to remove staining. These are often called ‘whitening' toothpastes. It is important to realise that these toothpastes can only help you to restore the original shade of your teeth and will not change their natural colour. If you feel you need something stronger to whiten your teeth, talk to your dental team about how this could be done. If you are a smoker, there are special smokers' toothpastes that will remove the staining that can build up over time.

Should I use a fluoride toothpaste?

Yes. Most dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste to prevent decay. Fluoride has been proven to reduce tooth decay by at least 40 percent, so everyone should be encouraged to use fluoride toothpaste. There may already be fluoride in your drinking water. Research has shown that children living in areas that don't have fluoride in the drinking water have more tooth decay than children living in areas that do have fluoride in the drinking water. Ask your dental team what amount of fluoride is right for you. It is important to use only a small, pea-sized amount of toothpaste for children, as they are likely to swallow some of it. All children up to three years old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million). After three years old, everyone should use a family toothpaste that has 1350ppm to 1500ppm of fluoride. After brushing you should spit out the toothpaste rather than rinsing, to prevent the fluoride being washed away. If your dental team feel that you have a high risk of tooth decay, they may recommend and prescribe a toothpaste with more fluoride in it. This high level of fluoride can offer more protection to people more at risk of decay.

What toothpastes are there?

There are many toothpastes, and some are designed for different needs. There are toothpastes for gum health, sensitive teeth and for smokers, ones with anti-bacterial agents, and others which help to restore the natural whiteness of your teeth. Your dental team can recommend the most suitable toothpaste for your needs.

What about children's toothbrushes?

It is just as important for children to use the correct toothbrush. Look for a small-headed toothbrush with soft nylon bristles, suitable for the age of your child. There are many novelty toothbrushes for children that help encourage them to brush for the correct length of time. There are also power toothbrushes that have been specially designed for children to use. Children under the age of 7 should be supervised while brushing.

Are electric or power toothbrushes a good idea?

Some people prefer to use a power toothbrush. They are especially useful if you have limited movement or find cleaning particularly difficult. These toothbrushes usually have heads which either rotate and oscillate, or pulsate. Some power toothbrushes are meant to be thrown away when the battery runs down, and some are rechargeable. You can buy power toothbrushes from your local pharmacy, retailer or dental team. Power toothbrushes with rotating and oscillating heads have been proven to be the most effective. Many power toothbrushes have timers built in to help you brush for the correct amount of time.

Which is the best toothbrush to use?

It is usually recommended that adults use a toothbrush with a small- to medium-sized head with multi-tufted, soft to medium filaments (bristles). These filaments should be round ended and made from nylon.

What do I need to clean my teeth properly?

There are many different oral care products you can get today. Your dental team will be able to recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste for you to use, as well as the best way to clean between your teeth.

How often should I clean my teeth?

It is important that you brush last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Eating and drinking foods containing sugar and acids naturally weakens the enamel on your teeth. Brushing straight afterwards can cause tiny particles of enamel to be brushed away. It is best not to brush your teeth until at least one hour after eating. It is especially important to brush before bed. This is because the flow of saliva, which is the mouth's own cleaning system, slows down during the night and this leaves the mouth more at risk from tooth decay. It is important to clean your teeth for two minutes, twice a day especially last thing at night and at least one other time during the day. Usually two minutes is enough to remove plaque and to clean properly. Some people find using a stop-watch or timer useful as two minutes is often longer than you think. If you eat or drink certain sugary or acidic foods you may need to clean more often.

What techniques can the practice use to help me?

This will depend on which techniques the practice is experienced in, and which you feel would help you most. Many practices offer several types of sedation, including inhalation ('gas and air') and intravenous (an injection). Other practices offer hypnosis and relaxation techniques. You would learn these techniques yourself, which would allow you to gain control over your feelings of distress or fear. You can also learn relaxation techniques from specialist teachers or at home. They can be very useful in controlling anxiety (see our information about 'relaxation and sedation'). Counselling is another way of dealing with feelings of anxiety. This is usually carried out by a member of the practice team, in a room away from the surgery. You would be encouraged to discuss your fears so that you can deal with them and overcome them.

FAQs Archive - Page 13 of 24 - 24 Hours Dental Hospital Antalya - Highly qualified dentist, VIP dental clinic

My teeth are sensitive, what can I use?
There are several toothpastes that contain ‘desensitising agents’ to help
Learn More
My teeth are stained, what toothpaste should I use?
There are toothpastes which can help to remove staining. These
Learn More
Should I use a fluoride toothpaste?
Yes. Most dentists recommend using fluoride toothpaste to prevent decay.
Learn More
What toothpastes are there?
There are many toothpastes, and some are designed for different
Learn More
What about children’s toothbrushes?
It is just as important for children to use the
Learn More
Are electric or power toothbrushes a good idea?
Some people prefer to use a power toothbrush. They are
Learn More
Which is the best toothbrush to use?
It is usually recommended that adults use a toothbrush with
Learn More
What do I need to clean my teeth properly?
There are many different oral care products you can get
Learn More
How often should I clean my teeth?
It is important that you brush last thing at night
Learn More
What techniques can the practice use to help me?
This will depend on which techniques the practice is experienced
Learn More

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