Dentist gives stark warning over mistake that can worsen disease nearly half of people suffer with

A dentist has given a stark warning over a mistake that can worsen the disease nearly half of people suffer with.

Yep, according to UKHSA, over 45 percent of adults in the UK have a degree of periodontitis that is irreversible. That’s what most of us know as gum disease.

Very common, it’s where the gums get red, swollen and sore and often bleed - particularly while you’re brushing your teeth.

While the NHS says ‘most’ of us have it, it’s very important you get it checked out by a dentist.

And oral surgeon at Dentum, Dr Andrej Bozic says there’s a mistake often made that can worsen your chances of suffering from it.

Gum disease is very common in the UK (Getty Stock Image)

The dental expert suggested that sometimes, it can be as simple as your oral products just not being clean enough, especially retainers and Invisalign trays.

He told the Mirror: “Brushing your retainers or clear aligners with a hard toothbrush can create tiny scratches on the surface.

“These grooves can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, which can then transfer to your gums and lead to infections, inflammation and eventually gum disease.”

Dr Bozic also warned that the build-up of bacteria in your mouth can often go unnoticed despite getting worse as time goes on.

“Keeping your retainers clean is just as important as brushing your teeth. A little extra care goes a long way in protecting your gums and your overall oral health,” the dentist added.

So, to help prevent those pesky scratches on your retainer, Dr Bozic recommends using soaking solutions rather than a toothbrush to clean it.

He insists cleaning your retainer properly is vital (Getty Stock Image)

And he laid out a set of steps to do so:

Soak in cleaning solution

Dr Bozic said to use a ‘retainer cleaning solution or denture cleaner’ to soak your aligner every day. These products are designed specifically to remove the bacteria without your retainer being damaged.

Rinse with lukewarm water

By rinsing your retainer in lukewarm water after ‘every meal’, you can aid the washing away of food particles and bacteria. But make sure to avoid hot water as it can cause the plastic to warp.

Use a soft brush for tough spots

While the dentist generally says to avoid hard toothbrushes, a ‘gentle, soft bristled’ one with no toothpaste can help get the tough spots inside.

"Toothpaste can be too abrasive for retainers, so it’s important to use something gentler,” he added.

Avoid using mouthwash

And finally, Dr Bozic warned the alcohol found in mouthwash can cause damage to the plastic, making the cleaning less effective.