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Tea Jenny & teeth

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Hope one of you dentists can help me with some questions.

I have never been very good at going to the dentist because it scares me (stupid I know).

5 years ago I had root canal on two teeth - one was fine and was later capped the other had recurring problems so had to be looked at for a second time - I had no further problems but never went back to get it capped.

A couple of months ago the tooth broke (all my own fault - I put it down to not finishing off the work and my diet coke habit). Prompt appointment made with new dentist as have now moved. He removed the broken bit and built up the tooth with amalgam filling and he said to see how I got on with that before we made any further decisions on the tooth. All seems OK - I have no pain and am managing to eat OK (although being a little careful with what I eat as the tooth that broke was the fourth one from the front & my mouth seems to use these teeth for "pulling" and biting if that makes sense).

Anyway. My questions (not realy related to this tooth!) are to do with my tea habit. (I've pretty much given up the diet coke). When I saw the new dentist he asked me if I smoked (No) and then if I drank a lot of tea (hell yes!!!!) because my teeth were very stained. He did a scale and polish and they looked MUCH better. two months on and the stains are building up again. How can I keep them looking as clean as they did when I left the dentist without giving up my tea?


I currently use a manual toothbrush but was considering getting one of those electric ones - would this help? I don't get on with dental floss cos I struggle to get it in between my teeth - are there any alternatives? would interdental (is that what they are called?) brushes help? should I do the in between bits with floss/interdental brushes before doing the normal brush?

Is there any particular toothpaste recomended? WHat about mouthwash? I use colgate toothpaste at the moment and listerine mouthwash.

Should I brush my teeth after every meal and drink? Or just morning and evening?

So many questions!!

Hope someone can help.

KL.

Comments

  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,105 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Tea is naturlly high in fluoride.

    Nothing wrong with drnkng a lot of tea! (So long as you don't put evil sugar in it!)

    The staining could be due to the tea, or it could be due to the mouthwash. I'm not a big fan of mouthwash, it is pretty pointless, and can cause more poblems than it solves. Good toothbrushing is the way to get your teeth clean. Wooshing a load of chemicals around yourmouth before or afterwards adds very little.

    Some toothpastes have agents within them that hold the antibacterial chemicals against your teeth for a longer time. This in itself is a good thing, but sometimes, if people have a cup of tea or coffee pretty soon after brushng their teeth, then the stain from the drink can get caught up in this coating, and stain the teeth worse.

    So try and avoid cups of tea/coffee within half an hour - 45 mins of brushing your teeth.

    Try those couple of tips and see if it decreases the staining.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
  • KentishLady
    KentishLady Posts: 293 Forumite
    Thank you toothsmith for the speedy response.

    I read somewhere that you should not brush your teeth immediately after eating/drinking as this can wear the tooth enamel away? Is that right? As I hate the feel of my teeth after i have eaten - they feel dirty. Should I wait half an hour or so after eating before I brush?
  • Toothsmith
    Toothsmith Posts: 10,105 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    That's true.

    The acid produced when you eat stuff with sugar in it, or acid food, dissolves away the top microscopic layer of the enamel, but not the soft organic matrix that forms the enamel.

    Given aout 30 mins,the calcium and phosphate ions in the saliva have repaired this damage.

    If you give the teeth a good brush straight after an acid attack though, you will damage the soft matrix, and the calcium will have nothing left to stick back to.

    Over time, if you do this habitually, the tooth will gradually erode away.
    How to find a dentist.
    1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
    2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
    3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
    4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.
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