After eating sweets or acidic foods, many people tend to brush their teeth immediately, thinking this will protect their teeth. In fact, this practice can actually cause more damage to the teeth. The Vice Chairman of the Periodontics Committee of the Chinese Stomatological Association explains that the surface of the tooth crown is covered by a layer of enamel, and acidic and sweet foods can erode this enamel, making it soft. If you brush your teeth immediately at this time, not only will it fail to clean the teeth, but it will also increase tooth wear and damage the enamel. Therefore, after meals, especially after consuming acidic or sweet foods, it is generally sufficient to rinse your mouth with water, and you should wait for 1-2 hours before brushing.
Many people believe that if their teeth don't hurt, there's no need to see a doctor, which is also a misconception. Professor Shu Rong believes that the structure of teeth has its particularities. When teeth are damaged in the early stages, it is not easily noticeable. Only when the damage extends to the inner part of the tooth will pain be felt, and by then, treatment becomes significantly more difficult. Therefore, experts and scholars generally recommend that a dental check-up at the hospital every six months can help prevent and detect dental problems early.
Many people's habits can also damage their teeth to some extent. For example, the incorrect use of toothpicks can harm the gums. Professor Shu emphasizes that the use of toothpicks should be guided by a doctor. The toothpick should be inserted into the interdental space at a certain angle. Generally, for upper teeth, it should be inserted downward at a 45-degree angle along the gum line, and for lower teeth, it should be inserted upward at a 45-degree angle along the gum line.