Dentist gives stark warning over mistake that can worsen disease nearly half of people suffer with

A dentist says a common mistake can make periodontal disease worse. Over 45% of UK adults have periodontitis that cannot be reversed. That's gum disease. Gum disease is common. It causes red, swollen, sore, and bleeding gums, especially when brushing teeth. The dental expert said that sometimes, oral products, especially retainers and Invisalign trays, aren't clean enough. He told the Mirror: Brushing retainers or clear aligners with a hard toothbrush can scratch the surface. "These grooves can become breeding grounds for bacteria, which can then transfer to your gums and lead to gum disease." Dr. Bozic said that bacteria in your mouth can build up without you noticing. Dr. Bozic suggests using a soaking solution instead of a toothbrush to prevent scratches on your retainer. He says cleaning your retainer is essential and that there are steps you can take to do so. Soak in a cleaning solution. Dr. Bozic recommended soaking your aligner in a cleaning solution every day. These products remove bacteria without damaging your retainer. Rinse with lukewarm water. Rinse your retainer in lukewarm water after every meal. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic. Use a soft brush for tough spots. Avoid hard toothbrushes, but use a soft one with no toothpaste to clean tough spots. A dentist says that a common morning habit can make your teeth yellow. When you wake up, when do you brush your teeth? Do you want to brush away the night's germs, or do you wait until you've had your morning coffee to avoid stale breath? There is a right and wrong time to brush your teeth. A dentist says your morning habits could make your teeth turn yellow. Dentist Dr. Shaadi Manouchehri says brushing teeth after coffee damages enamel. Coffee is acidic. Brushing your teeth right after drinking coffee wears away your teeth. "Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes. You don't have to brush your teeth, rinse with mouthwash, or drink water." Brushing after drinking coffee damages your teeth. Coffee is acidic, erodes your enamel, and makes your teeth look stained. She added: "Your mouth has bacteria when you wake up. Brush before breakfast." A dentist says diet can make a black hairy tongue worse. Dr. Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at Dentum, explained how to avoid the condition. He said, "Black hairy tongue can be concerning, but understanding the signs, causes, and treatments is essential. With the correct information, you can manage this condition. "This happens when the tiny projections on the tongue become stained by food, bacteria, or other substances. What causes it? Eating enough fiber helps clean the tongue, which can help improve the condition. Eating foods with lots of fiber makes your body make more saliva, which fights bacteria. The NHS says we should eat about 30 grams of fiber a day. You probably don't get enough fiber. The NHS says Most adults eat about 20g of fiber a day, but we need to eat more. Dentist reveals common mistake that makes teeth look yellow A dentist has found a common mistake people make when cleaning their teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. A dental hygienist at Chelsea Dental Clinic posted a video on TikTok explaining why you should replace your toothbrush regularly. Change your brush head at least every three months, whether you have an electric or manual brush.