Episode: Do Bad Teeth Run In Your Family?

🎙️ Bite-Sized Dental | Episode: Do Bad Teeth Run In Your Family? 
Hosts: Dr Bing Lee & Glenn Hartas

Transcript

Glenn Hartas:
Way FM 105.3 – your positive alternative. The Morning Show is powered by a station sponsor, Innova Dental, located in Launceston and in Prospect. Dr. Bing joins me every Monday and Friday – and he’s with me now. Welcome back to the show, Dr. Bing.

Dr. Bing:
Hi there! How are you going?

Glenn Hartas:
Not too bad at all. So, do bad teeth run in the family?

Dr. Bing:
Yes, Glenn, we often hear patients say they have bad teeth because their parents did too. And that’s actually true to an extent. Babies are born with no bacteria in the mouth, and the bacteria often comes from sharing saliva with immediate family. So if mum or dad has tooth decay, those decay-causing bacteria can be passed on — and the cycle continues.

That said, I’ve seen parents determined to break this cycle by making sure their own teeth are free from decay before their child is born. And I’ve actually seen some really great results from this approach.

Glenn Hartas:
Okay. Now, is a powered toothbrush better than a manual one?

Dr. Bing:
A lot of patients ask us that! And I always say: the best toothbrush is the one you use. Studies show there’s no major difference between electric and manual brushes if the user has good technique. The technique is a bit different for each one, so the best thing is to ask your friendly dentist to show you how to use them properly.

That said, I do recommend electric toothbrushes in certain situations. For example, some patients struggle with manual dexterity, and an electric brush can be easier to handle — you just hold it still and it does the work.

Electric toothbrushes are also great for patients with gum recession caused by aggressive brushing. Some of the higher-end models have pressure sensors that stop the brush if you press too hard. That kind of feedback is really helpful for people who might be brushing too forcefully.

Glenn Hartas:
Okay, so what should I look out for when buying a toothbrush?

Dr. Bing:
There are a lot of design gimmicks out there from toothbrush companies, but really, there are just two main things to focus on:

1. A small head — so it can reach all corners of your mouth

2. Soft bristles — so you’re not scrubbing too hard, just gently brushing

Glenn Hartas:
Okay. And what about flossing? I’ve heard it doesn’t really do anything — is that true?

Dr. Bing:
Actually, brushing only covers about 60% of the tooth’s surface. Flossing does help — it cleans out food and bacteria from between your teeth, which a toothbrush can’t reach.

Most patients we see brush twice a day, but many don’t floss. Unfortunately, that leaves about 40% of the tooth surfaces uncleaned — and that’s where we often see decay forming.

Flossing also helps keep the gums healthy. For patients with gum disease or at risk of it, flossing keeps the area near the gums clean. That reduces bleeding when brushing and helps prevent bone loss related to gum disease.