Common "Brushing Habit" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Brushing Habit

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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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

I am concerned about my oral hygiene. Kindly help.

Query: Hello doctor,As a 28-year-old woman concerned about my oral hygiene, I want to ask the following questions:What are the fundamental elements of an effective routine? Could you offer specific guidelines for brushing, flossing, and rinsing to ensure optimal care for teeth and gums? How often should I ...  Read Full »


Dr. Bharat Joshi

Answer: Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com. Please be aware and follow the below instructions to maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily using the modified bass technique. Rinse your mouth with water after each meal. Avoid smoking and tobacco products. Use mouthwash only after oral ...  Read Full »

How can I prevent my teeth from yellowing?

Query: Hello Doctor, I am 19 years old. My teeth are yellow from childhood (from 10 years of age). A black layer is formed at the backside of teeth. When I see my teeth it seems very dirty and too much of creamy layer is formed on my teeth especially in lower canines and lower incisors. In the lower teeth...  Read Full »


Dr. Subha

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Yellowing of teeth is mainly due to one of the following or a combination of these: Tartar or plaque deposits (soft yellowish deposits) on the teeth. Calculus deposits (calcified hard deposits) on the teeth. Fluorosis - internal discoloration of the teeth due to ...  Read Full »

How can I manage painful swollen gums with ulcers caused by excessive brushing?

Query: Hello doctor, After trying to fix my teeth and gums, I have managed to get rid of the yellow plaque after a few days. However, because of brushing gums excessively, ulcers have appeared, and my gums have swollen slightly and are very painful. I was wondering how to manage them and how long it will t...  Read Full »


Dr. Gaurav Kumar Pandey

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Actually, you have gum infection (gingivitis). It is common and curable. First thing if there is any hard deposit then you should see your dentist for a professional dental cleaning. Maintain proper oral hygiene by two times brushing, and flossing at least once a day, ...  Read Full »

How much fluoride should I have in my toothpaste?

Query: Hello doctor, What ppm and percentage of fluoride are good for adults? I am trying to figure out what kind of toothpaste is good, but I hate mint, so I am trying to check the percentages of fluoride that is good for an adult.  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Fluoride content can be around 1000 to 1200 ppm which is more than enough for the prevention of cavities. No need to go higher than that. More important is the proper brushing technique. Go for up-down or circular brushing technique without too much pressure onto the...  Read Full »

I am a 48-year-old with poor oral hygiene. Please suggest tips.

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 48-year-old male. I have poor oral hygiene. So, I am keen to understand the connection between oral health and overall health. Could you recommend the type of toothbrush (manual versus electric) and the toothpaste (fluoride, non-fluoride, sensitivity-focused) that would be most ...  Read Full »


Dr. Shiva Shangkharii. K.

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com I read your query and understand your concern. 1. The mouth is the mirror to our body, all the microorganisms travel from the oral cavity to the body inside. 2. So keeping our oral cavity clean is essential, when these pathogenic microorganisms travel throughout the...  Read Full »

Should I brush my teeth after consuming acidic beverages?

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 »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

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 »

Can I give vitamin supplements for my 15 months old baby?

Query: Hi doctor, My daughter is 15 months old. Her weight is 18 lbs and height is 2.6 feet. One of the Pediatricians suggested me to give two supplements to her as follows. Osteocalcium 5 mL per day, which contains Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12 and Calcium phosphate and Jusdee 60K granules one sachet per month,...  Read Full »


Dr. Nagasirisha Naredla

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. 1. You are child's weight is lower than normal for the age. Hope she does not have any health or developmental issues. 2. The weight goes with her birth weight and nutrition. Height is good. So probably, I would expect either under nutrition or a delay in growth spur...  Read Full »

My son is 2.5 years old and he has pain in one of his front tooth. What should I do?

Query: Hello doctor, My son is 2.5 years old and he has pain in one of his front tooth. What should I do?  Read Full »


Dr. Purva Jingar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Take your son to any dentist especially a pedodontist soon and get it checked properly. It is the right age to take your son. Keep his teeth clean with cloth and water or some paste on a kids brush and clean teeth in vertical direction very gently. Do not feed with b...  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 »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com There 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 cir...  Read Full »

What can I do when my 2-year-old son refuses to brush his teeth and consumes sugary foods?

Query: Hi doctor, How to keep the teeth and gums clean for a 2-years-old. My son refuses to brush his teeth and does not allow me to. Also consumes a lot of sugary stuff. Please guide me. Thank you.  Read Full »


Dr. Hesham Ahmed Abdelhamid Elsayed Shamma

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concern. It can be challenging to keep a 2-year-old's teeth and gums clean, especially if they are resistant to brushing and consume sugary foods. Here are some tips that may help: 1. Start early: It is important to establish good...  Read Full »

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