Brushing teeth 5 times a day

[HairyKnobsAndBroomsticks]

I was just checking the prices on my dentist's website. I came across a questions and answers section where it says that the staff all brush their teeth 5 times per day. If I cleaned my teeth every time I ate something, I would never be out of the bathroom.

Surely that would lead to gum erosion and wearing away of the enamel. Seems extreme to me!

Sounds excessive to me.

That said, one of the habits I developed in lockdown was brushing my teeth an extra time per day (three, increased from two) and it’s definitely benefitted my overall dental hygiene. Went to the dentist for the first time in three years recently (delayed due to lockdowns) and he commented on how well my teeth were, and said I wouldn’t need another check-up for two years of I kept it up.

That's what I thought @RaRaRaspoutine.

It's actually bad for your teeth to brush them straight after eating.

It's probably not a full brush 5 times a day

I do similar, 2 min brush in morning and evening before bed, then a quick brush to get rid of lingering food in my teeth after each meal

It's a good idea to remove food particles and sugar as soon as you reasonably can because it's this that causes bacteria build up.

That's just the way things are now though. There aren't enough dentists for people to have yearly appointments if their teeth are ok.

Water flosser after eating is a game changer! Warm water and a tiny bit of mouthwash.

Detritus begone

I’m in Ireland. No issues getting a dentist appointment within a week for standard cases, and usually same-day for urgent needs. Check-up is usually once a year.

Yes I did the same during lockdown, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to see a dentist if I had a problem so I paid extra attention to my teeth. I even bought one of those temporary filling kits just incase

I've been looking at water flossers. Any recommendations please?

Having had the worst pain of my entire life this week ending in an emergency extraction, I'm thinking 2 times is not enough for me but I can't do 5 times (plus I have already been told off for brushing too hard). Maybe 3 is a middle ground!

I agree, toothache is the worst pain ever.

Mine says brush twice a day (not after eating) and use mouthwash separately at other times if you want to so you get the fluoride benefits

@HairyKnobsAndBroomsticks mine is a waterpik with a good ‘soft’ function (high power nearly blew my teeth out). I would recommend not getting one with a separate tank as they’re a faff to clean.

@YesitsBess I have just ordered a black cordless Waterpik. They do have very good reviews. Thanks.

Enjoy! Glad to spread the water floss love

Thanks @YesitsBess I'm quite excited about it. Argos are delivering it this evening.

Five times does sound a lot, and you'd have to be very gentle to avoid erosion, but I do sometimes brush three times in a day, if I'm going out after tea etc. At the other end of the scale, stbxh brushes his once a week.... 😬

@19Bears, once a week? what's his reasoning with that.

@HairyKnobsAndBroomsticks He's an idiot. A lazy idiot.

It can and does.

Gum erosion only occurs if you brush too hard or the toothbrush is too firm. Ive always brushed alot more than twice a day. I brush morning and night and tongue scraper. But also after i eat i use a tongue scraper and brush again. I floss everyday aswell. Ive never had a filling or any dental issues. My morning and night brushes are alot more 'deeper' than my day time brushes. I also make my son brush his teeth after school aswell.

I am almost 32, no fillings and do it twice a day. My gran is 91, has all her own teeth and does the same. Electric toothbrush is good.

I think they advise mouthwash for that, not brushing