Istanbul Gelisim University - Brushing teeth hard causes 'brush caries'

Brushing teeth hard causes 'brush caries'

Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mihmanlı emphasized that hard tooth brushing does not clean teeth better. Mihmanlı said, "Brushing the teeth hard, instead of cleaning the teeth, causes abrasions called 'brush caries'.”

Mentioning that a hard toothbrush does not clean the teeth better, Mihmanlı said, “Brushing well is not about the hardness of the brush, but about the brushing technique. Brushes that are too hard can wear down the teeth. Brushing too softly may not clean the teeth. Brushing hard doesn't clean teeth better either. Brushing the teeth hard, instead of cleaning the teeth, causes abrasions called 'brush caries'. As the enamel layer of the teeth is eroded, the yellow layer called dentin underneath is exposed and the teeth look even more yellow. In addition, hard brushing causes tooth sensitivity and gum recession. Rechargeable brushes should also be equipped with a pressure sensor and a soft brush should be used.”

“DO NOT WET THE TOOTH BRUSH”

Stating that the toothbrush should not be wetted before brushing, contrary to what is known, Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Dentistry Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mihmanlı said, “Brush bristles lose their hardness when wet. Sufficient liquid is available in the mouth for the paste to foam. Using too much toothpaste will not scratch the teeth. The scratching of the enamel layer of the teeth is not related to the excessive use of the paste, but to the large granules of the paste used. Although the granules of large pastes that quickly clean cigarette stains make the teeth look clean at first, they cause the teeth to become stained more quickly in the long run. Therefore, long-term use of pastes with large granules should be avoided. The amount of paste put on the brush should be the size of a 'lentil grain'.”

“CAVITIES ARE NOT FATE”

Stating that cavities can develop due to genetic factors, Mihmanlı said, “Cavities can be genetically transmitted. However, this is not an unchangeable destiny. Cavities susceptibility may differ between individuals. However, in the case of correcting bad eating habits, giving importance to oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, the predisposition to caries does not matter.”

Making statements about the known mistakes during pregnancy, Mihmanlı ended his speech as follows:

“Not every pregnancy takes away a tooth. Tooth loss is seen in cases where oral care cannot be fully provided, the presence of untreated caries and the progression of gingival diseases. Gum bleeding during pregnancy is not due to calcium withdrawal from the tooth. The reason for the bleeding is the formation of gingivitis or exacerbation of the existing gingivitis as a result of hormonal changes in pregnancy, if oral care is not adequately provided.”