As the dentistry crisis continues to deepen, more and more people are turning to the internet for advice on their dental health. Here are the top 5 most Googled questions about dental in 2023 and their answers from dental experts.
1, Is vaping bad for your teeth?
It’s no surprise that searching for information on the effects of vaping on teeth has increased more than 80% recently, with the new government initiative offering free vapes to those willing to ditch the cigarettes.
Vaping has an effect on your oral health – and not for the better. Exposing your gums to a hot, drying vapor will increase the risk of gum disease and bad breath, while flavored vapes will increase the amount of sugar in your mouth, potentially causing cavities. Additionally, nicotine is a stimulant that often causes tooth grinding – which can wear away enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. Limiting your nicotine intake, keeping your teeth clean, and drinking plenty of water is the best way to try and negate the negative effects vaping can have on your oral health.
2, Do strawberries whiten teeth?
The strawberry teeth whitening ‘hack’ is unfortunately a myth. Mixing strawberries with abrasive substances like baking soda, as recommended on social media, can have a terrible effect on your teeth as their acidic nature can wreak havoc on the tooth’s enamel. The best way to safely whiten your teeth at home is by using a tooth whitening at-home treatment prescribed by a dental professional.
3, Is it bad to brush your teeth too much?
‘Toothbrush abrasion’ is when the teeth are brushed too hard and too regularly, causing receding gums. This causes the tooth’s root to be exposed and can make your teeth extremely sensitive. It’s necessary to thoroughly brush your teeth and gums twice per day – once in the morning and once in the evening – although those wearing aligners will have to do this more frequently to remove any food and prevent infection-causing bacteria. This should be done with light pressure so you can feel the bristles on your teeth but they don’t rub or hurt, to avoid wearing down your gums and enamel. Try to stick to brushing twice per day unless told otherwise by a dental professional and look out for bleeding gums or sensitive teeth – this may signify you’re brushing too much or too hard.
4, What is the best home remedy for wisdom tooth pain?
Wisdom teeth that are impacted or infected can cause a large amount of pain to the sufferer, affecting daily life and activities. Over-the-counter painkillers or numbing gels will help support you while you’re waiting to visit a dental professional, and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help fight inflammation. Using an ice pack will also help reduce swelling. The best thing for wisdom tooth pain is to visit a professional and obtain an x-ray to assess the growth of your tooth and antibiotics to fight any infection, but these tips can help ease your pain while waiting for an appointment.
5, Are clear aligners better than metal braces?
This is a question that is being asked more as dental technology develops, with a 110% increase in searches within the last three months alone. It’s hard to say which of these treatments is ‘better’, as it will depend on the complexity of treatment needed. However, there are a number of benefits that come with clear aligners that you won’t have with fixed metal braces. Firstly, the discretion of invisible aligners means they can be worn throughout the day with confidence, and treatment time is generally a lot shorter than with traditional metal braces. They’re also removable so can be taken out for eating, drinking, and sports, and are much easier to keep clean.
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