Any dentists/hygenists/d ental nurses here?

Sorry but she’s right, you can over brush and toothpaste is best “ left on” but saying that, you have managed to look after your teeth all your life so I’d just smile and carry on as you are. A worry as we get older is shrinking gums which can expose the lower level of teeth again, over brushing can damage the gums.
Mouthwash is nice to freshen up the mouth but a good toothpaste is generally considered enough.

My dentist and his hygienist recommend the use of interdental brushes after nighttime cleaning followed by the use of mouthwash. Recently, I read that some of the stronger mouthwashes (eg Corsadil) contain an ingredient which kills viruses, including (possibly) Covid-19.

Dh (the resident dentist retd ) agrees re over the counter mouthwashes are often too alcoholic and you should not rinse after brushing.

My electric tooth brush allows 30 sec per quadrant.

I am not a dentist but I was told by mine not to rinse toothpaste out and that if I wanted to use mouthwash I need to use it well-away from brushing - not just a few minutes and definitely not immediately after.

Like Ashcombe I was advised to use an inter-dental brush (or if I didn't like them a rubbery inter-dental) daily.

Your daughter is right. Instead of interdental brushes, I invested in a water pic. It’s a jet of water that shoots in between each tooth to clean the space. Marvellous, no build up of plaque at all. Maybe TMI but it’s amazing what bits of food are lurking behind!

I have one of these water jet devices and it is very effective.

Thanks to all of those who replied. Seems she is correct, and I will need to change my dental hygiene practice. Will look into those water jet devices also.
So, we learn from our children.......

I agree with your daughter, however being nearly 80 and having good teeth you must be doing something right.

Don't be despondent Franbern as you are presumably blessed with great teeth! They have obviously survived your routine for years and if you are doing that much brushing without gum damage that's fantastic.

Would maybe brush the recommended 2 minutes (as someone else said, 30seconds per quadrant) and do the mouthwash at a different time of day. Then next time you ho to the dentist you could get all the "new" gen directly from them - and in relation to your own teeth and gums.

I always buy 'alcohol free' mouthwash, most brands do it!

While we're on teeth and gums, does anyone know how best to get rid of stains on teeth? Is there a toothpaste out there that actually does what it says on the tin, and eliminates stains? My dentist has been closed except for emergencies for the whole period since March. I'd love to discover something that works...

Make a paste of bicarbonate and a little water. Put it on your teeth while you shower, so that if you dribble it doesn’t matter!

Cheers, J52. I'll give that a go.

Blinko

While we're on teeth and gums, does anyone know how best to get rid of stains on teeth? Is there a toothpaste out there that actually does what it says on the tin, and eliminates stains? My dentist has been closed except for emergencies for the whole period since March. I'd love to discover something that works...

Old-fashioned Eucryl Tooth powder ? Get the Freshmint one - it tastes better.

GrandmaFrench, thanks. That's worth a try too.

I usually saw a dental hygienist twice a year. The dental practice changed hands and now I have to see a 'dental therapist'. What's the difference?

I think a therapist can do simple fillings? If so, they are hygienists who have had more trainjng and I think that the hygienist training has been changed. But that could be something else. Been doing a Sainsbury's online shop so my brain is addled!