“Spit don’t rinse” is the message from a medical practitioner, Dr. Olufunmilayo Adeniyi as she reveals many of us could be putting our oral health at risk by making the mistake of rinsing after we brush our teeth.
Speaking in an interview on Your View – a TV programme on Television Continental – Dr. Adeniyi said rinsing the mouth immediately after brushing washes away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste by diluting it and reducing its preventative effects on the teeth.
She advised that excess toothpaste should be spat out after brushing, rather than rinsed with water.
She said, “We advise that you spit and do not rinse with water so that there is a little left to act on it. If you brush for two minutes and you spit in between the two minutes, you won’t be able to keep all the toothpaste in your mouth for two minutes.
“So, you spit out, you rinse a little and do it again, and lastly, you spit out and leave it to act. You will see that your breath smells fresher than when you rinse.”
She also advised Nigerians to invest in an oral routine check-up by visiting a dentist twice a year.
“It is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months, at least twice a year. Some people who produce more dirt in their mouths or more calculus in their mouths are asked to see the dentist every four months.
“Every pregnant woman should routinely see a dentist during the course of the pregnancy because the pregnancy hormones affect your gums and your mouth adversely.
“Prevention is cheaper than waiting till late to get something rid off, just invest in a routine check-up,” Adeniyi advised.
Ezinwanne Onwuka, senior staff reporter and columnist with WAP is a Nigerian-based writer and content developer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her interests include reading, writing, researching and graphic designing.
Latest posts by By Ezinwanne Onwuka (Senior Reporter) (see all)
- Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Declared Wanted by EFCC - April 18, 2024
- TIME Names Burna Boy on 2024 Most Influential People List - April 18, 2024
- N100 Billion Corruption Case Take New Turn As EFCC Seeks Yahaya Bello’s Arrest - April 18, 2024
previous
IPOB: Governor Soludo Directs Anambra Public Servants to Resume Work On Mondays
next
