Most people would love to have beautiful teeth but there are a host of things that can either improve or destroy your gnashers. However getting to see a dentist isn't always easy with research showing in some English areas there are up to 3,000 people per NHS dentist with a national average of 2,330.
So to fill in the breach many folks are turning to the internet to seek answers to making the most of their teeth. And they are asking for advice on everything from pain to cosmetic dental solutions.
And with a vast array of answers coming up by searching on Google, it can be hard to know what answers to trust. Dr Khaled Kasem, Chief Orthodontist at Impress, has taken a look at the five most-Googled dental questions and come up with answers to allow you to proceed fully-informed, and smile with confidence. This is what he says:
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. As this search team has increased over 5,000% in the last week, it’s clearly a pressing issue for patients across the UK who are having difficulty obtaining dental appointments in the current NHS dental crisis.
Over the counter painkillers or numbing gels will help support you whilst you’re waiting to visit a dental professional, and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help the fight against inflammation. Using an ice pack will also help to 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 the above tips can help to ease your pain whilst waiting for an appointment.
Is vaping bad for your teeth?
It’s no surprise that searching for information on the effects of vaping on teeth has increased over 80% recently, with the new government initiative offering free vapes to those willing to ditch the cigarettes. Vaping however does still have an effect on your oral health - and not for the better.
Exposing your gums to a hot, drying vapour will increase the risk of gum disease and bad breath, whilst flavoured 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.
Do strawberries whiten teeth?
The strawberry teeth whitening ‘hack’ is unfortunately a myth - as wonderful as it would be to munch on these sweet treats whilst our teeth become a few shades lighter, those contributing to the 170% increase in this search will be sad to learn that it’s not actually possible. If anything, 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 - such as the at-home tooth whitening kits offered by Impress.
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.
With a 210% increase in people searching for this in the past week, it’s clearly a question that eludes many. 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 a 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.
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. Innovative orthodontic clinics such as Impress also offer digital treatment plans with 24/7 support and virtual treatment reviews resulting in little impact on your daily life - unlike fixed braces which require regular in-person appointments.
