#42: Jak správně čistit zuby. Většina z nás to dělá špatně

Summary

Dental hygienist Jana Hubbard explains that plaque builds up quickly and can contribute to cavities and gum inflammation if it remains on teeth. The discussion focuses on thorough, gentle cleaning and making it part of a sustainable daily routine.

Key dental-care strategies

• Brush twice a day, ideally after breakfast and after dinner. If you can only manage one brushing, prioritize the evening, when saliva production falls during sleep.
• Wait about 30 minutes after acidic foods or drinks, such as juice, before brushing to reduce the risk of wearing down softened enamel. Fluoride mouthwash may help shorten the wait.
• Don’t use mouthwash as a substitute for brushing and interdental cleaning. Choose a fluoride mouthwash without alcohol; medicated rinses are for specific problems and limited periods.
• Choose a soft or extra-soft toothbrush with a small head and straight trim. Hold it gently, like a pencil, and brush at roughly a 45-degree angle along the gumline, moving carefully around each tooth. Avoid forceful scrubbing.
• Use electric brushes with care. Let the brush do the work, guiding it around each tooth and along the gumline rather than scrubbing.
• Clean between teeth every day. Interdental brushes and floss do different jobs: use brushes for suitable gaps and floss to clean the contact areas between teeth.
• Consider a single-tuft (solo) brush for precise cleaning along the gumline and around hard-to-reach back teeth.
• Clean the tongue, preferably with a tongue scraper. If using a toothbrush, clean the teeth first, then rinse and clean the tongue.
• Use only a small amount of toothpaste—about a pea-sized amount. Mechanical cleaning matters most.
• Replace your toothbrush about every three months, or sooner if the bristles are damaged or it can no longer be cleaned properly. Rinse it well after use and let it dry.
• Make brushing easier to stick with. Try brushing while watching TV or reading if standing at the bathroom sink feels like a chore. Plaque-disclosing tablets or rinses can help reveal missed areas.
• Pay attention to gum health. Healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding, swelling, redness, or tenderness can signal inflammation and should prompt better cleaning and professional advice. Smoking may mask bleeding.
• Seek individualized care when circumstances change. Pregnancy-related vomiting, dry mouth, and some medications can affect oral health. Discuss concerns with a dental professional. The recommended interval for professional hygiene visits varies according to oral health and treatment needs.

Presenters and sources

• Míša Kačená — presenter
• Irena Hončlová — presenter
• Jana Hubbard, DiS. — dental hygienist, Alfa Dental
• Jirča — participates in the discussion; surname unclear from the subtitles