Flourish Health & Wellbeing Magazine - Dec23 - Flipbook - Page 20
MYTH SEVEN
Brushing alone will keep teeth and gums
healthy.
THE TRUTH: Studies show brushing removes
only 60% of detritus and plaque on the teeth - you
need to also clean between your teeth every day,
in addi琀椀on to twice-daily brushing, to remove the
bacteria and food par琀椀cles from between the teeth.
Toothbrushing can’t reach these areas, no ma琀琀er
how well you do it. Cleaning between the teeth with
interdental brushes or 昀氀oss helps keep gums healthy
– gums are hugely important as they’re a part of the
founda琀椀on that holds the teeth in place.
MYTH EIGHT
I can eat something sweet so long
as I brush straight after.
We all like a sugary treat occasionally but
keep your daily consump琀椀on to within the
World Health Organiza琀椀on’s guidelines of
six teaspoons a day (or 24g) maximum.
After eating or drinking something
containing sugar, only rinse your mouth
with water straight a昀琀er. This is because it
can take at least an hour for your teeth to
recover from acid a琀琀acks caused by sugar,
so wait that 60 minutes before brushing
as doing it any sooner may damage the
tooth enamel so昀琀ened by sugar.
Don’t have a regular dentist or one who’s nearby?
No problem - the ADA’s Find-a-Dentist search engine
at www.teeth.org.au makes it easier.