I chew gutkha [and] that’s why my teeth have turned brown.  Please suggest any whitening tooth paste.  I am from India.

Answer:

Gutkha is a concoction of several herbs, including tobacco, and is popularly sold in India and several other countries.  Unfortunately, gutkha severely stains teeth.  Depending on where the gutkha is held in the mouth, for example under the tongue or behind the teeth, the staining can be more severe in that particular area.

Treating Gutkha Tooth Staining

The good news is that the staining is temporary and can be easily removed.  However, a semi-harsh abrasive, like pumice, will need to be used.  This can best be accomplished by visiting the dentist for a cleaning/prophylaxis.  It may be possible to remove the staining with brushing, but believe us, it will take A LOT of work on your behalf to remove all of the stain.  Also, if you brush your teeth too hard, you run the risk of removing enamel and other vital tooth structure.  So though a slight cost is attached, we believe the best and easiest way to remove the stain is to go in for a quick cleaning.

Good luck and we hope this helps

SaveMySmile Team

Hi
The bristles on my toothbrush begin to wear away after 1 week of usage twice a day!  What should I do? Should I change my brush every week?

Answer:

This is a clear sign that you are brushing your teeth entirely too hard.  Remember, brushing, when done the right way, is great for your teeth.  However, brushing too hard is actually bad for your teeth.  It prematurely wears away enamel and can eventually cause sensitivity close to the gum line.  Enamel does not regenerate and you may eventually need a restoration (filling) if you continue to brush with great force.  Continue to brush after each meal but just remember that light to medium force is all you need to accurately clean your teeth.  The bristles in your toothbrush should at least last 2-3 months (see our article on when to change your toothbrush).  Any time less than this is an indication that you may brush too hard.  Also, if you happen to use a soft bristles, step it up to medium strength bristles.  These may last a little longer in your situation.

Good Luck!

Brushing Methods

There is the Bass method, Charter’s method, Modified Bass techinique, Modified Stillman method, etc.  The most popular and most recommended is the Bass method.

Bass Method Step by Step Directions

Step-by-step directions are offered below:

• Start by placing the toothbrush bristles at a 45 degree angle on the front surface of the back teeth. Move the toothbrush in small circular motions. Make sure that you brush the tooth and especially the area where the tooth meets the gums.
• With this circular motion, slowly move forward towards the front teeth. Don’t rush!! Be sure to take your time and clean off all food debris and plaque. If you are having the problems with the brush fitting in your mouth, angle it vertically and continue to brush at a 45 degree angle the front surface and gum line.
• Continue to move around the arch and cover the back teeth on the opposite side.
• Repeat these steps with the back of the teeth as well (the side of the teeth that is closest to the tongue)
• Next, place the toothbrush bristles on the chewing surfaces of the teeth (known in the dental world as the occlusal surface).
• Move the toothbrush back in forth in a “scrubbing motion”. Be sure to brush the chewing surfaces of all teeth, even the front teeth.
• Rinse your toothbrush, place on tongue, and gently run the bristles over your tongue. The tongue can also harbor bacteria and cavity causing germs and must be cleaned as well.

Remember, a beautiful smile leaves a lasting impression.

Happy Brushing!

So why floss your teeth?

• Mouthwash and a toothbrush can’t reach every surface of your teeth! Flossing removes the food buildup and bacteria that is located between your teeth.
• Most cavities arise from bacteria located between the teeth – This area is often overlooked. Many feel that if they can’t see it, then it isn’t a problem. However, if given the chance, microscopic bacteria can and will accumulate and begin the demineralization process of enamel slowly leading to cavities, pain, and bacterial invasion.
• You don’t want bleeding gums do you? – Bleeding gums is a sign of inflammation! If you don’t floss regularly, you can expect some minor bleeding when you start out. But don’t quit. Bleeding gums indicates gingivitis, and even worse periodontitis. If severe enough, this will lead to recession of the gums and loose teeth. Flossing removes irritating bacteria from being allowed to infiltrate your gums and cause infection.

Proper steps to flossing

• Start off with a long strand of floss (around 15 inches or so) and wrap it around each middle finger
• Use your index finger to guide the floss between your teeth
• Once the strand of floss is between your teeth, follow the curvature of each tooth in an up and down motion about 2-3 times. Don’t be afraid to push the floss under the gums, this is a critical area that needs to be cleaned.
• Remove floss and repeat with each tooth, making sure to use a clean section of the floss each time.

How often should I floss?

It’s best to floss a minimum of once a day

I tried to floss and my gums started bleeding, should I stop?  Is something wrong?

Do not stop.  This is a sign of inflammation and indicates that you haven’t flossed in awhile.  Continue to floss everyday and the bleeding will stop.

Have more questions?  Feel free to leave a commit or submit a question to be included in our FAQ’s.

Happy Flossing!

How often should I change my toothbrush?

• Preferably every 3-4 months
• When the bristles are worn out
• After any type of illness including a cold, flu, mouth sore, etc

Why should I change my toothbrush that often?

Toothbrushes are harbors for bacteria.  If not cleaned effectively, microscopic bacteria can reside in your toothbrush.  Also, after time and after several uses, toothbrushes lose their effectiveness.  Once the bristles begin to wear down, they are not as efficient at cleaning plaque and removing food and other debris from your teeth.

Additional toothbrush tips

• Be sure to thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with warm tap water after each use to effectively clean it
• Let your toothbrush air dry after each use. Do not store it in a travel case (unless you are traveling of course).
• Also, be sure to use soft or medium bristles. Using a toothbrush with hard bristles can actually do more harm than good!!! Toothbrushes with hard bristles are only meant for denture or removable appliances only.

So, remember to pick up that new toothbrush at your next trip to the store and let’s start new with maintaining your oral health!

Toothbrush