Say cheese! From oil pulling to rinsing with green tea, students tell us the most unusual tip they have heard for keeping their teeth clean and smiles bright.
How do you take care of your teeth? Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: “What is a fun memory you have of seeing the dentist?” This question is sponsored by the Oral Health Promotion Division. To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 12pm on Wednesday, November 20. Tell us your name, age and school.
Tsui Chung-chi, 16, Pui Kiu College: When I was little, my grandmother told me that eating an apple could replace brushing your teeth. Reminiscing, I researched the tip, and shockingly, eating apples can help clean your teeth, but it should not replace brushing your teeth daily.
Eleanor Chan Sin-ching, 14, Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College: Putting your toothbrush between the gums and teeth and quickly moving it up and down. I saw a video demonstrating this tip, which said it helps remove plaque by reaching the spots where food and bacteria can get stuck. I think it’s a simple and effective way to clean those tricky areas better!
Gaille Yung Ka-ching, 13, St Paul’s Convent School: Maintaining oral health with coconut oil was a surprising tip for me. I was told that swishing a teaspoon of coconut oil in my mouth for 20 minutes can help remove bacteria from my teeth, leading to a more confident smile.
Serene Wong Hei-yu, 17, Leung Shek Chee College: I have a quaint routine to keep my teeth healthy: I brush my teeth after every meal if I can. My friends stare at me after we eat, asking, “Since when have you had this habit?” I do this because I feel fresh and clean after brushing my teeth, and it stops me from snacking.
Wong Hui-yiu, 16, Sing Yin Secondary School: Have you ever heard of using chalk to whiten your teeth? That’s right! Some people swear that gently rubbing chalk on your teeth can buff away surface stains thanks to its mild abrasiveness. While it sounds bizarre, it is important to use this tip sparingly and never replace your regular toothpaste! Always check with your dentist before trying out unconventional methods.
Where readers think a secret door might lead
Jovina Chung Man-yan, 11, Holy Angels Canossian School: There are many effective ways to brush your teeth, but one of the most unusual tips I have heard is to brush your teeth with a dry toothbrush instead of a wet one. Using a toothbrush dry can help its bristles remove the plaque better.
Asher Yiu, 13, King Ling College: An unusual tip for dental care is using green tea to rinse the mouth. Rich in antioxidants, green tea can help reduce plaque build-up and fight bacteria that cause gum disease. Some studies suggest that its natural compounds can promote oral health by preventing the growth of harmful microbes. Swishing green tea in your mouth for a few minutes does not need to replace brushing; it can be a refreshing addition to your routine.
Ryan Wong Cheuk-man, 14, TWGHs Li Ka Shing College: I heard from a dentist that eating cheese can be good for your teeth. I did not believe it at first. Cheese has high levels of helpful minerals like calcium that strengthen your enamel.
It also balances your mouth’s pH levels, producing less harmful acids and more cleaning saliva. Who would have thought that eating cheese could be so beneficial to our teeth?
Rachel Yiu Yuen-yan, 13, Pope Paul VI College: Oil pulling. Most people, including me, are astonished when hearing about this method for the first time. But swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for about 15-20 minutes can remove bacteria, leading to cleaner teeth. Also, regular use may help your gums by reducing inflammation.
Matthew Chan Shiu-wai, 16, Buddhist Tai Hung College: Using activated charcoal to whiten teeth. Proponents claim the abrasive nature of charcoal helps remove stains and discolouration, leaving teeth brighter and healthier. This is an unconventional approach, so I recommend consulting a dentist before trying this or any other unproven home remedy.
The Oral Health Promotion Division aims at promoting oral health to the public and facilitating the proper use of oral healthcare services.