I’m a dentist – yes, we use a secret code when checking your gnashers but you’ll never hear us say the word ‘four’
A DENTIST has lifted the lid on the secret code they use when looking at your gnashers.
For some, going to the dentist is a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you have no idea what they’re saying about your smile.
Thankfully, Dr Onkar, from the UK, took to social media to explain the secret code to put you at ease.
A lot of dentists take the time to explain if there’s any issues after they get their hands out of your mouth, but of course we want to know what they’re saying as they prod your teeth.
London-based dentist Dr Onkar Mudhar took to TikTok to share “what the code means”.
“You come to see us, the dentists, and we poke around your gums and we say a few numbers,” he explained
“One, two, three or four. Sometimes it hurts and you get angry at us, because it doesn’t feel nice, other times it’s not really a problem, but I know you’re thinking, ‘what are they saying about me?’.”
During a check-up, dentists will use a ball ended gum probe which is blunt, to ‘poke along your gums.’
And while doing that they often say numbers between zero to four – and while many have no idea what it means, Dr Onkar cracked the code for us.
The best thing you can hear when your dentist is poking your gum is zero, which, according to Dr Mudhar, means it’s “healthy” as can be.
But if you hear a number one, it means “you’ve got bleeding in the gaps, which is caused by inflammation.”
He revealed that number two means you have a plaque build-up ‘similar to limescale in the kettle.’
If the dentist says three, it means there’s a bit more blleding and inflammation, which means you need to improve your oral hygeine as soon as possible.
Lastly, is number four which is something you definitely don’t want to hear. as it means ‘full blown gum disease.’
The dentist warned this means you “need to see a specialist or get your dentist to start treating that for you before it progresses”.
For those who do experience any pain, the dentist said it wans’t because they were being rough, it’s due to your gums being inflamed.
Are you brushing your teeth correctly?
Dentists recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bedtime.
Dr Rhona Eskander, dentist and co-founder of PÄRLA Toothpaste Tabs, says: “Brushing should last for approximately two minutes each time.
“Brush gently in circular motions, ensuring you cover all tooth surfaces.”
Not too hard
Dentist Dr Alfonso Rao, or Define Clinic, Beaconsfield, Bucks said it’s essential to find a balance between brushing effectively and not applying too much pressure.
“Brushing too hard can cause harm to the soft tissues and tooth surface,” he said.
Which toothpaste?
Dr Eskhander recommends using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste as fluoride helps prevent tooth decay.
“You can also choose toothpaste with ingredients like baking soda for whitening or potassium nitrate for sensitivity.”
Don’t spit
Faizan Zaheer, from Bupa Dental Care, says: “People tend to rinse their mouths after brushing.
“However, this causes the removal of fluoride from the teeth, which means it can’t benefit by strengthening the minerals in the enamel.”
Rinsing with mouthwash is another habit to drop.
Faizan says: “It usually has a lower fluoride concentration than toothpaste.
“Therefore, it will dilute the fluoride concentration in the mouth if used after brushing.”
Wait after eating
It’s not uncommon for people to brush their teeth right after breakfast. But wait at least half an hour before doing this, experts say.
Celebrity Harley Street dentist Dr Richard Marques said: “The precious enamel that coats the teeth is temporarily weakened after eating due to the acids present in food, so by brushing right after you eat, you risk damaging it.”
Floss every day
Using floss or small interdental brushes removes bacteria between your teeth.
Change toothrush head
It’s recommended to change your toothbrush head on electric toothbrushes at least once every three months.
Dr Viren Vithlani, specialist periodontist and co-founder of MyMouth, explained: “The main reason for that is that you tend to find the bristles of the brush flare over time and then they become less effective, so you’re not removing plaque and bacteria as effectively.
“That means you’re leaving potentially more bacteria on the teeth which is increasing your risk of gum problems or decay.
“The second reason is from a hygiene perspective.
“Most people will leave brushes out and not covered so you tend to get bacteria colonising on the brush bristles themselves.”
Tongue cleaning
Your tongue can also harbour bacteria, which can lead to bad breath, so keeping it clean is vital.
You can use a tongue scraper for this, or even your toothbrush.
Gently brush side to side as well and back and forth, before rinsing out your mouth with water or a mouthwash.
Dr Mudhar added: “This isn’t sharp, it can’t traumatise the gums. It’s actually blunt.”
If you do feel “lost in the code when chatting to your dentist”, Dr Mudhar urged people to tell your dentist – especially if you’re in pain during the checkup and don’t know why.
The clip soon went viral on TikTok @dronkarmudhar with over 300k views and 22k likes.
People were quick to take to the comments to share their experience of the dentist office.
One person wrote: “Not me thinking the dentist was just counting how many teeth I had in my mouth all these years.”
Another commented: “Mine said 4, 4, 4, makes sense now.. I never went back bc I was traumatised.”
“I never took notice before, but now I’m going to be self conscious about my numbers,” penned a third.
Meanwhile a fourth said: “This was perfectly timed, had a check up today.”
“Thank you I love knowing stuff like this!” claimed a fifth
Someone else added: “Thank you for reminding me to floss today.”
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