Brushing the teeth is the first thing to do as soon as one gets up in the morning. However, a correct brushing technique must be implemented for a healthy smile. Two minutes of brushing is adequate and necessary. It can be divided into four parts of 30 seconds each for the four sides of the mouth. Brushing twice a day and use of mouthwash, floss, and tongue cleaner are beneficial. Overbrushing and overuse of whitening toothpaste must be avoided to protect the enamel. For effective results, the bristles must be placed in a 45-degree angulation, and upward and downward strokes must be performed. Only a pea-sized amount of paste should be used.
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How to brush after removing a tooth?
Query: Hello doctor, How to brush after removing a tooth? Two days ago I got it done. How to know if I have a dry socket and what are the ways to prevent it? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Keep usual brushing habit after the removal of your teeth. No need to worry about brushing habit. Use mouthwash twice a day after brushing your teeth. Take care of the wound, like after taking any food make sure that you gargle your mouth with lukewarm water. Do not ... Read Full »
Is brushing teeth within half an hour of acidic beverage consumption harmful?
Query: Hello doctor, Please tell me if this statement is true or not. I have been told that if you brush your teeth within a half hour after drinking or eating anything acidy, such as coffee, beer, or tea, it could actually brush the acid into your teeth, causing more damage than brushing. The problem is t... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. There is no problem in brushing immediately after a meal. Such acidic foods damage teeth only if they remain in the mouth more than half an hour which cause some surface calcium loss due to the formation of calcium carbonate after salivary acids and other acidic food... Read Full »
I have not brushed as regularly as you should. How to stop tooth from hurting?
Query: Hello doctor, I am 18 years old, and for many personal reasons, I have not brushed my teeth regularly, as I should. I might have brushed ten times in the last two years. I cannot see a dentist due to my situation, but I want to change my life now that I am older. My top left molar hurts a little wh... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. We will not judge. It is alright. You can still have your teeth in good condition, but you have to keep brushing twice every day. Just follow this. I suggest taking Amoxicillin or Augmentin 500 mg tablet twice daily after meals for three days. Also, take one mu... Read Full »
I watch videos to improve my brushing methods. Which method is the right one?
Query: Hello doctor, There are several videos on how to brush your teeth correctly on the internet. But I am not sure which one is the best method. I am 51 years old and had some fillings for my teeth. But I think brushing in a circular motion may be the right way instead of a back and forth motion. Here ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thanks for writing in, and I understand your concern. First of all, I am glad to know you have 80% knowledge about oral hygiene methods. Yes, you are right; the circular motion could be practiced, but the force used should be significantly less. One stroke is suffici... Read Full »
Do I need frequent gum cleaning?
Query: Hello doctor,I have a mild to moderate gum disease. I get scaling and root planing done with deep cleaning every three months. The gums of my two lower front teeth are irritated all the time. I brush my teeth correctly twice a day, followed up by flossing. It is red and inflamed all of the time, no ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.comThere is no need for you to get deep cleaning every three months as a six-month gap is more than enough. Instead, I recommend brushing softly (do not press on the toothbrush like you are polishing your tooth), including teeth and gums.I suggest brushing gently in a circu... Read Full »
Why are my son's upper four teeth look rough and crumbling?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a very concerned father of a 14 months old boy. His first six teeth came in, but the top four teeth look quite rough and are crumbling. His bottom two teeth seem fine. He is still almost exclusively breastfed, as he does not like to eat food, and seldom opens his mouth. I believe... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the attached photos (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The upper front teeth show early childhood caries lesion resulting in decay. You need start giving him other semi-solid food and reduce exclusive breastfeeding. After every breastfeeding,... Read Full »
Does a painless greenish color tooth in a baby indicate tooth decay?
Query: Hi doctor, A 2 years old baby has a tooth problem. No pain but it looks odd, like a greenish color and kind of decay. I have attached the picture for your reference. Kindly help us. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through the query and the attached picture (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). This tooth has a decay (cavity), and this can be cleaned and filled when you visit a dentist. But in this current pandemic, I would advise you to wait till... Read Full »
When can we do post and core reconstruction on a tooth?
Query: Hello doctor, I have several worries about my teeth. Can you please help me with the concern? Is my fifth upper right tooth suitable for post and core reconstruction? From the X-ray, what is the state of my teeth? Do they look worrying? Is there anything I should worry about? Are my gums receding o... Read Full »
Dr. Akmal Albert Asham Abdelmalek
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Regarding your canine's gum line, it is not looking bad. It is normal for the gum line on the canines to be slightly higher than the adjacent teeth. As long as the root is not visible, there is no problem. To avoid any gum recession, be careful with your tooth brus... Read Full »
What can be the causes of bad breath despite good oral hygiene?
Query: Hi doctor, My teenage daughter is struggling with bad breath for two years. She has impeccable tooth cleaning habits and consults her dentist every six months. Is this related to sinuses or tonsils? Kindly help. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Teenagers usually have improper oral hygiene. I suggest you follow these tips to have some relief. Your daughter can use an electric toothbrush. It has a timer in it. When you start using it, push the button. It will stop after two minutes and do not turn it off bef... Read Full »
My son screams a lot when he steps into a dental office. What to do?
Query: Hello doctor, My 3 year old son is with really bad teeth. He is not even letting the doctors near to him. I have to tussle even to brush his teeth. I really need to get this fixed. He has a couple of cavities, decayed tooth and he has broken one when he fell down, being his tooth was probably weak. ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. There are two things you could do. The first option is ask your dentist to give him a mild inhalation anesthesia, which will calm him down and then, he could do all his necessary treatments in one go, but you have to take him in forcefully. The second option is you co... Read Full »