A dentist has identified two frequent toothbrushing mistakes that could cause teeth to appear yellow, but are easily preventable. Dr. Ferakh Hamid, from Aesthetique Dental Care in Leeds, shared that these mistakes are contributing to the yellowing of teeth and offered advice on how to avoid them.
The first mistake, according to Dr. Hamid, is skipping the step of wetting the toothbrush before brushing. Some believe that brushing without water, or “dry brushing,” can help remove stains more effectively. However, Dr. Hamid warns that this practice could make teeth appear dull and more yellow.
“Before brushing, it’s a good idea to wet your toothbrush,” Dr. Hamid explained. “This simple step helps spread toothpaste more evenly across your teeth, making the cleaning process more effective. Dry brushing might seem like it’s working at first, but without water, the toothpaste doesn’t spread properly, leaving teeth looking dull.”
The second common error people make is brushing their teeth too soon after consuming acidic foods and drinks, such as fruit juices, wine, or fizzy beverages. These acids can weaken the enamel, and brushing immediately afterward can cause even more damage, leading to the exposure of the yellowish dentin layer beneath.
“Brushing right after eating acidic foods can erode your enamel, revealing the yellow layer underneath, making your teeth appear more yellow,” said Dr. Hamid. “It’s better to wait at least an hour after consuming acidic food or drinks to allow your enamel time to recover.”
Dentists commonly recommend waiting before brushing after eating acidic foods to protect enamel and maintain a brighter smile.
Dr. Hamid’s advice follows a recent viral warning from another dentist, who cautioned against the long-term use of whitening toothpaste. According to the video, while these toothpastes may initially brighten your teeth by scrubbing away surface stains, the abrasive ingredients can thin out the protective enamel over time, making teeth more yellow and sensitive.
As concerns about dental care grow, access to affordable NHS dental services in the UK remains a challenge. Official data shows that only 40% of adults in England visited an NHS dentist in the past two years, a drop from nearly 50% before the COVID-19 pandemic. For children, only 56% had seen an NHS dentist in the past year, down from almost 60% before the pandemic.
The pandemic severely disrupted NHS dental services, and the system has struggled to recover. Many NHS dentists have either reduced their NHS work or moved to private practice due to inadequate payment models. Under previous NHS contracts, dentists were paid a fixed rate for work, regardless of how complex the treatment was, leading to financial losses on certain cases.
Although contracts have been reformed, the British Dental Association (BDA) reports that many dentists have scaled back their NHS work post-pandemic, exacerbating the shortage of available appointments. A 2022 BDA survey revealed that 75% of dentists experienced burnout, and 86% reported verbal or physical abuse from frustrated patients.
As the NHS dental appointment crisis deepens, more people are resorting to drastic measures. Some Brits are seeking treatment abroad, while others have turned to dangerous DIY dental procedures at home due to the high cost of private care.
This situation highlights the growing challenges in accessing affordable dental care in the UK, leaving many individuals to make risky decisions about their oral health.
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