4 days ago
Dentist sets record straight on wetting your toothbrush before brushing
Good oral hygiene is part of most people's health routines in Ireland. Many of us follow the basic rule - brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with toothpaste. But one small step is often overlooked, and could actually make a big difference to your dental health.
Dr Payal Bhalla, Lead Dentist and Clinical Director at Quest Dental, has clarified why wetting your toothbrush before brushing is more than just a habit - it's "essential" for protecting your teeth and gums and can "reduce the risk of irritation or damage" to the mouth when compared to a dry toothbrush.
She explained: "Wetting your toothbrush before brushing your teeth is essential for several reasons. Firstly, wetting the bristles helps distribute toothpaste more effectively, ensuring better coverage across the tooth surfaces. This results in enhanced cleaning efficiency and more thorough removal of plaque and debris."
But there's more to it than just spreading toothpaste. Dr Bhalla added: "Secondly, wetting the toothbrush softens the bristles, making the brushing experience gentler on gums and tooth enamel, reducing the risk of irritation or damage. Additionally, the moisture helps activate the toothpaste ingredients, making them more effective in fighting bacteria and maintaining oral hygiene. By wetting your toothbrush, you can improve your overall brushing experience and promote better oral health outcomes, making it a simple yet valuable step in your daily dental care routine."
This simple step can also "prevent more aggressive brushing", which often leads to enamel wear and gum recession - a common problem many Irish adults face. The water helps create a gentle foam with the toothpaste that helps "loosen and lift debris, plaque and food particles."
Wetting the toothbrush also "activates the toothpaste's active ingredients such as fluoride", meaning the tooth enamel is strengthened and protected against tooth decay, Mirror UK reports. It also "helps evenly distribute the toothpaste across the bristles", ensuring the toothpaste is able to cover a larger surface area, "targeting hard-to-reach areas."
Dry brushing might not effectively remove surface stains on your teeth "leading to discoloration over time." It also means that the brushing experience is more gentle, reducing the risk of irritation to the gums.
Dr Bhalla added: "A wet toothbrush may feel more comfortable in the mouth, especially for individuals with sensitive teeth or gums. The moisture can provide a soothing effect and reduce potential discomfort during brushing. And some toothpaste formulations can be abrasive, especially if applied directly without wetting the brush first. Wetting the toothbrush before applying toothpaste helps dilute its potential abrasiveness, protecting the tooth enamel from excessive wear."
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