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< Return to the Learning Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we answer some of the most commonly asked dental questions. Should
you have a question that is not answered here then write to Wisdom at the
below address, or email directly.
Alternatively ask your dentist.
Customer Services
Wisdom Toothbrushes Limited
The Silk Mill
Colne Valley Road
Haverhill, Suffolk
CB9 8DT
Q. How do I know when my toothbrush is worn out and needs replacing?
A. Hold it upright with the back of the head facing you. If you can see more than a millimetre or two of the filaments then replace it with a new brush.
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New Brush |
Worn brush - must be changed |
Q. How much toothpaste should I put on my toothbrush?
A. For adults and children over 4 years of age you only need a small amount, the size of a pea. Coating the entire length of your toothbrush head with paste is simply a waste of money. For younger children, just smear a little paste (use a special child’s toothpaste) onto the brush. Always supervise children's brushing sessions.
Q. Should I rinse my mouth out with water after I have brushed my teeth?
A. It is better to not rinse your mouth out after you have brushed your teeth as rinsing reduces the benefits of the fluoride in the toothpaste.
Q. How safe is fluoride, and why is toothpaste better with it in?
A. Fluoride works by replacing the calcium on the surface of your teeth, and it takes 10 times more acid to dissolve. This is why fluoride is so important, and used in small quantities there is no solid evidence of adverse effects. Try to prevent children from swallowing too much fluoride toothpaste as in extreme circumstances this can lead to stained teeth.
Q. How do I find out if the water in my area contains fluoride?
A. Call your water provider or local health authority.
Q. If I chew sugar free gum do I still need to brush my teeth?
A. Only regular brushing with a quality toothbrush will effectively clean your teeth. However, chewing sugar free gum after meals stimulates the production of extra saliva, which helps limit the build up of plaque (the main cause of tooth and gum problems).
Q. At what age should I start to take my children to the dentist?
A. Parents should take their children to the dentist from birth.
Q. More dentists are going private, therefore how do I find a dentist who will treat me as a new NHS patient?
A. This can be difficult depending on where you live. However, your local health authority should be able to provide you with a list of dentists who take on new NHS patients. Although, to remain registered you must visit regularly, at least every 15 months.
Q. My gums are very sore and it hurts to brush my teeth, what could be wrong?
A. This could be a number of things:
- You are brushing with a too firm a brush - try moving to a medium or soft texture
- You are brushing too hard - try a product like Wisdom Click Gum Protector which tells you when you brush too hard.
- If your gums are red and inflamed and they bleed when brushed, you may have gingivitis. If you have these symptoms, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Q. I have tried to floss, but my gums bleed. What am I doing wrong?
A. Your gums may bleed and be sore for the first few days if you are not a regular flosser. If there is an infection you will most likely bleed, as this is the removal of the plaque and bacteria between your teeth. This is normal and it is just short term, and your gums will eventually stop bleeding.
Flossing should be done gently. Like brushing too hard, vigorous flossing can easily injure your gums. Therefore when you have flossed, you could be flossing too firmly.
Q. My teeth are really stained and discoloured, but I do not want to get them whitened. What can I do?
A. There are a number of solutions:
- Limit your intake of food and drink that can stain your teeth (coffee, tea, red wine etc.).
- Do not smoke as this can discolour the tooth surface.
- Have your teeth cleaned and polished professionally by a hygienist.
- Use a non-abrasive whitening toothpaste like Janina Whitening toothpaste
- Use a whitening toothbrush like Wisdom Radiance to help remove stains
Q. What can I do to prevent bad breath?
A. The following suggestions can help you to prevent bad breath (halitosis):
- As well as brushing and flossing remember to brush your tongue too. Use a tongue cleaner or the brush filaments to clean the tongues surface.
- Use a medicated mouthwash such as Wisdom Fresh Effect, which is designed to treat Halitosis.
- In more severe cases consult your dentist.