eRadio SA

Introduction

Brushing is the one dental habit almost everyone believes they have already mastered, which is precisely why it goes uncorrected for decades. In this episode Dr Clifford Yudelman takes apart the assumption, and the picture that emerges is counterintuitive: the patients who brush hardest are often the ones with the most damage to show for it.

The through-line is that force is the enemy and angle is the answer. Plaque causes disease in a specific place - the small sulcus where gum meets tooth - and a brush held flat and scrubbed vigorously never reaches it, while steadily abrading the enamel and gum tissue at the neck of the tooth.

Dr Yudelman works through the modified Bass technique, the flick for the inside of the lower front teeth, the case for electric brushes and pressure sensors, why you should spit rather than rinse, and how to know when a brush head is finished. Along the way there is a digression into two-minute songs that is worth the price of admission on its own.

Questions and Answers

Question 1 (1:37)

Is there actually a wrong way to brush your teeth?

Yes, though any brushing beats no brushing at all. Scrubbing too hard, brushing horizontally like you are polishing shoes, and missing the gum line entirely are the three habits that quietly cause damage. They abrade enamel, wear away gum tissue, and leave plaque undisturbed exactly where it does the most harm.

Question 2 (3:40)

Can you tell us about the modified Bass technique and why it is the gold standard?

The bristles are angled at roughly 45 degrees towards the gum, so they slip gently under the gum margin using small, controlled vibrating motions. It targets plaque where it actually causes disease rather than just polishing the visible surfaces. It is genuinely difficult to do with a manual brush, which is one reason electric brushes are now preferred in many cases.

Question 3 (6:01)

So scrubbing is not a good thing. What happens if we do?

Scrubbing feels productive but is biologically destructive, particularly without an extra soft brush. Over time it produces non-carious cervical lesions, the wedge-shaped notches at the gum line that catch a fingernail and sting on cold air or acidic drinks. Enamel lost this way does not regenerate, and brushing force predicts recession far more strongly than brushing frequency does.

Question 4 (7:34)

Can you explain the 45 degree angle rule?

The angle aims the bristles into the gingival sulcus, the small space where the gum meets the tooth and where plaque accumulates. Held flat against the tooth, the bristles never reach it, and the result is inflammation, bleeding, and eventually bone loss. Changing the angle turns brushing from a quick freshen-up into genuine disease prevention.

Question 5 (9:00)

How do we brush the inside surfaces of the front teeth, the so-called flick?

The lower front teeth are hard to reach, so the brush is held vertically and the bristles flick along the back surfaces. This gets into the narrow spaces without heavy pressure, which matters because that area is a common site for tartar build-up and gum disease. Small technique adjustments there produce disproportionately large benefits.

Question 6 (10:13)

Should we brush the gums, or just the teeth?

You should be brushing the gums, but only as a consequence of the brush angle and only very gently. Healthy gums benefit from light stimulation, which improves circulation and plaque control. The goal is stimulation and cleaning, never abrasion.

Question 7 (10:51)

Two minutes seems to be the sweet spot. Do we need a timer?

Two minutes is far longer than most people realise, and studies that observe people brushing find most manage under a minute. Electric brushes have built-in timers that signal every 30 seconds, which works out to roughly 15 seconds per quadrant, or one to two seconds per tooth. The last brush before bed is the one that needs to be genuinely thorough.

Question 8 (13:22)

With manual versus electric toothbrushes, does the technique actually change?

The principles are identical, but a good electric brush removes much of the technical difficulty. You guide it slowly from tooth to tooth and let the brush do the work rather than scrubbing. Electric brushes are especially valuable for older patients and anyone with reduced dexterity, and pressure sensors that light up or stall the motor correct heavy-handed brushing automatically.

Question 9 (16:19)

Why should we spit but not rinse after brushing?

Spitting without rinsing leaves fluoride sitting on the teeth, where it continues to strengthen enamel long after brushing ends. This matters most for people with a history of cavities. If you have been cavity-free for years and dislike the residue, a light rinse is acceptable, but try to leave a little toothpaste behind.

Question 10 (17:45)

How often should we really be changing our toothbrush?

The general guideline is every three months, or sooner if the bristles start to splay, since worn bristles traumatise gums, clean poorly, and accumulate bacteria. Quality matters more than the calendar: a high-grade extra soft head can last considerably longer than a cheap one. Always choose the softest bristles available, and factor the cost of replacement heads in before buying an electric brush.

Closing Thoughts

The takeaway Eon lands on at the end is the right one: brushing better is not about brushing harder or longer. It comes down to angle, gentleness and consistency. Those three things are free, they take no extra time, and they are the difference between a brushing habit that protects your teeth for life and one that quietly wears them away.

If there is one action to take from this episode, it is to look at your own toothbrush bristles today. If they are splayed, you are pushing too hard — and that tells you more about your technique than any amount of good intention does.

Further Resources

Related reading from the OptiSmile website:

Electric vs Manual Toothbrushes - https://optismile.co.za/blog/electric-vs-manual-toothbrushes/

Secrets of Tooth Sensitivity and Cost-Saving Dental Care- https://optismile.co.za/blog/secrets-of-tooth-sensitivity-and-cost-saving-dental-care/

Professional Dental Cleaning Explained - https://optismile.co.za/blog/professional-dental-cleaning-explained/

How Oral Health Affects Your General Health - https://optismile.co.za/blog/how-oral-health-affects-your-general-health/

Dental Health in a Nutshell - https://optismile.co.za/blog/dental-health-in-a-nutshell/

Book an appointment or read more at https://optismile.co.za

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.

This week, financial advisor Mauritz Oberholzer unpacks the truth about investment risk and what it really means for your financial future.

Your Money Maument is aired on eRadio SA every Thursday and available as a podcast afterwards.

For more information visit https://www.mauritzoberholzer.co.za/

Foreign Nationals in the Workplace - Here's what South African Employers Need to Know. We are joined by Thabiso Tshukudu, Associate Attorney at Hahn & Hahn Attorneys.

Legal Talk is aired every Wednesday morning at 10:00 on eRadio and available as a podcast thereafter.

TikTok and Instagram have turned the mouth into a content category. Nail-file enamel contouring, oil pulling, charcoal scrubs, lemon juice and baking soda whitening, DIY elastic-band braces and unlicensed veneer technicians all circulate as harmless-looking hacks, and they are shared onward by people who never even opened the app.

Some of it is merely a waste of money. Some of it causes permanent, irreversible damage.

In this episode Dr Clifford Yudelman goes through ten of the most persistent social media dental trends and separates what is nonsense from what is actively dangerous.

He explains what is physically happening to enamel and dentine when these hacks are applied, why unlicensed veneer work is a criminal offence in South Africa, why influencer veneers so often look like Chiclets, and how any listener can pressure-test a dental claim before it costs them their teeth or their money.

It is a blunt episode, and deliberately so.

Questions and Answers

Question 1   (2:13 - 2:32)

People are filing their teeth with nail files on TikTok. Why could this possibly be disastrous?

Dentists do sometimes trim, polish or contour a tooth, but it is done under a microscope, by someone who knows where the dentine sits and how much enamel there is to lose. A nail file drawn straight across the front teeth is guesswork on a structure that does not grow back. Social media trivialises what is, in reality, biologically irreversible damage.

Question 2   (3:49 - 3:59)

Does oil pulling actually whiten teeth or cure cavities?

Some small studies suggest swishing coconut or sesame oil may reduce certain oral bacteria, but there is no high-quality evidence that it whitens teeth or treats cavities. Cavities are caused by acid dissolving minerals out of enamel, and oil cannot reverse that process. It is largely harmless and largely pointless, and it is no substitute for brushing with a fluoride toothpaste or using tooth mousse.

Question 3   (6:10 - 6:35)

What are the dangers of DIY charcoal scrubbing?

Charcoal toothpastes, and especially the powders, are highly abrasive. They may lift some surface stain from tea or tobacco, but they scrape enamel away over time, exposing the softer dentine underneath, which increases sensitivity and eventually makes teeth look darker, not whiter. Laboratory studies have shown many of these products exceed safe abrasivity thresholds for daily use.

Question 4   (8:02 - 8:11)

Are unlicensed veneer technicians operating in South Africa?

There is no such thing as a veneer technician. A dental technician may manufacture appliances in a laboratory but is not permitted to work inside anyone's mouth, and the Health Professions Council of South Africa restricts this strictly. People have been arrested and jailed for it. Anyone offering this service, or accepting it, is playing with fire.

Question 5   (9:37 - 9:48)

Is the lemon juice and baking soda whitening hack also nonsense?

It is one of the most damaging things on the list. Lemon juice is highly acidic and baking soda is abrasive, so the combination strips enamel like a scouring product. Teeth may look slightly whiter once or twice, but done daily it produces sensitivity that can take months to settle and costs a great deal to repair.

Question 6   (12:10 - 12:32)

Can you really close a gap in your teeth with elastic bands or DIY braces?

No, and it is genuinely dangerous. An elastic band stretched over two teeth simply transfers the space to the next teeth, and the band itself can work its way under the gum and destroy the supporting bone, causing tooth loss. Orthodontists do use elastics, but with specific strengths and widths, anchored to brackets, hooks or Invisalign buttons, under close control.

Question 7   (13:40 - 14:01)

Why do influencers' veneers sometimes look like Chiclets or piano keys?

Because aesthetics has been prioritised over anatomy and proportion. Natural teeth vary in shape, length and translucency, and uniformly flat, opaque, oversized veneers ignore facial harmony and age-appropriate design. Worse, some dentists market veneers as a way to protect teeth, which is the opposite of the truth. The best tooth is one that is undrilled.

Question 8   (16:58 - 17:09)

How can consumers spot fake dental news on social media?

The red flags are absolute claims, miracle cures, an absence of references, and above all the demonisation of mainstream dentistry by someone who claims to be the only one who knows the truth. Credible advice acknowledges limits, risks and alternatives, and invites questions rather than suppressing them. Ask whether the claim is supported by peer-reviewed research or endorsed by a recognised professional body, and use AI tools to check a screenshot or link against the evidence.

Question 9   (19:04 - 19:13)

Are the purple colour-correcting toothpastes also a scam?

They are generally harmless, but the effect is a visual trick produced by the colour purple sitting on the tooth surface rather than any real change in tooth colour. Nothing is being whitened. It is simply a waste of money.

Question 10   (19:38 - 19:44)

Why should you never buy professional dental tools online?

Dental treatment is not about the instruments. It is about diagnosis, sequencing and risk management, and the evidence consistently shows that self-treatment produces worse outcomes at higher cost. Scaling your own teeth with a hook bought online, or fitting your own veneer kit, is simply looking for trouble.

Closing Thoughts

The through-line of this episode is simple: enamel does not grow back, and biology does not reward shortcuts. If a dental trend sounds too good, too fast or too cheap to be true, it almost always is. Social media is entertainment, not a treatment plan, and the cost of confusing the two is usually paid in tooth structure that cannot be replaced.

Dr Yudelman notes that every episode of this podcast carries references, and that his forthcoming consumer guide to dentistry, focused on keeping your teeth undrilled, is now in the final stages of editing. In the meantime, the safest defence against dental misinformation remains critical thinking, a proper diagnosis, and a dentist who is willing to show you the evidence.

Further Resources

Injection Moulding Technique for veneers and bonding: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/injection-moulding-technique/

Dental veneers in Cape Town: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/dental-veneers/

Injection moulded composite veneers: https://optismile.co.za/injection-moulded-composite-veneers/

6 teeth whitening myths busted: https://optismile.co.za/blog/6-teeth-whitening-myths-busted/

Teeth whitening tips and advice (podcast): https://optismile.co.za/blog/teeth-whitening-tips-and-advice/

Tooth sensitivity and cost-saving dental care (podcast): https://optismile.co.za/blog/secrets-of-tooth-sensitivity-and-cost-saving-dental-care/

Acid reflux and tooth erosion (podcast): https://optismile.co.za/blog/acid-reflux-tooth-erosion/

Hollywood versus real life smiles: the truth about makeovers (podcast): https://optismile.co.za/blog/hollywood-vs-real-life-smiles-the-truth-about-makeovers/

Digital smile design and emotional dentistry (podcast): https://optismile.co.za/blog/digital-smile-design-and-emotional-dentistry/

10 smart questions to ask your dentist (podcast): https://optismile.co.za/blog/10-smart-questions-to-ask-your-dentist/

Why South Africa is a top choice for dental tourism (podcast): https://optismile.co.za/blog/why-south-africa-is-a-top-choice-for-dentaltourism/

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.

This week's financial segment features financial advisor Mauritz Oberholzer, who explains the key differences between a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and a Retirement Annuity (RA), outlining the benefits of each to help you decide which option may be the best fit for your financial goals.

Your Money Maument is aired on eRadio SA every Thursday and available as a podcast afterwards.

For more information visit https://www.mauritzoberholzer.co.za/

When debt repayments are deducted directly from a person's salary, both employees and employers need to understand the legal rules that apply. In this interview, we unpack what an emoluments attachment order is, when it can be used, and the legal safeguards that protect debtors from unfair deductions. We also discuss the responsibilities of employers, what courts must consider before authorising these orders, whether there are limits on salary deductions, and the key rights and obligations everyone should know. Nirvana Nothnagel of Hahn & Hahn Attorneys joins Eon.

Legal Talk is aired every Wednesday morning at 10:00 on eRadio and available as a podcast thereafter.

Your hearing is about far more than just your ears - it's an important part of your overall health and wellbeing. In this episode, we explore why hearing deserves the same routine attention as your eyesight and dental health.

We discuss the many factors that can affect hearing, what audiologists really do beyond fitting hearing aids, and why having your own trusted audiologist can benefit you throughout your life.

You'll also learn about other hearing and balance concerns audiologists can help with, and when you should book your very first hearing assessment. Minette Lister of ICAN joins Eon.

To find an independent audiologist in your area, visit: www.independentaudiologists.co.za

Periodontist, endodontist, prosthodontist... does it ever feel like alphabet soup? In this episode of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, Eon Engelbrecht asks Dr Clifford Yudelman to untangle exactly who does what in dentistry: when a general dentist is all you need, when a specialist is worth every cent, and how getting the referral right can save you money, time and unnecessary treatment. Along the way, Dr Yudelman lifts the lid on failed root canals that could have been saved, the truth about referral kickbacks, and why there is no such thing as a specialist “cosmetic dentist”.

Episode Questions and Key Answers

1. What is the difference between a general dentist and a specialist? (1:25)

A general dentist is trained to diagnose, prevent and manage most dental conditions for all age groups, from check-ups, x-rays and fillings to crowns, basic extractions and preventive care. A specialist has gone back to university for several more years of full-time postgraduate training in one field, and goes far deeper in that narrower scope. The two are complementary: the general dentist manages most of the care, and specialists are brought in when complexity or risk increases.

2. When should I see an endodontist, instead of my regular dentist, for a root canal? (4:11)

Endodontists specialise in the dental pulp and root canal system, and are the right choice for complex or calcified canals, retreatment of failed root canals, persistent infections and hard-to-diagnose pain. Their microscopes, CBCT imaging and additional technology deliver measurably higher success rates in complex cases. And a referral is never a failure: it means your dentist is protecting your tooth, with no kickbacks or commissions involved.

3. What does a periodontist do, besides treating gum disease? (9:09)

Periodontists look after the supporting structures of the teeth, the gums and bone, and their scope extends well beyond gum disease: gum grafting, crown lengthening, and highly specialised implant placement techniques such as partial extraction therapy. They protect the foundations, because without stable gums and bone everything else fails. Large cases involving crowns, bridges and implants often start in the periodontist's chair.

4. Why would I need a prosthodontist for crowns or implants? (12:09)

Prosthodontists are the specialists for large restorative cases: full-mouth rehabilitations, multiple implants and extensive crown work, sometimes 20 or more crowns in a single session. Dr Yudelman describes OptiSmile's own prosthodontist, Dr Steyn, who trained in Boston as implants were first emerging and handles cases such as a 13-implant full-mouth rebuild. Experience matters: it can be the difference between a result that lasts 15 to 20 years and one that fails within five.

5. What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist who does Invisalign? (15:25)

Orthodontists complete specialist university training in tooth and jaw movement and manage complex bites, skeletal discrepancies and growth-related problems, while many general dentists are certified to treat mild to moderate cases with Invisalign. Experience varies enormously: a dentist who has limited his practice to aligners for 20 years is a very different proposition from one who has done a short course. And despite what marketing may claim, there is no registered specialty called cosmetic dentistry.

6. When do I need an oral surgeon versus a maxillofacial surgeon? (17:36)

In South Africa the two are one and the same specialty, oral and maxillofacial surgery, covering extractions, impacted wisdom teeth, biopsies and minor surgical procedures. Individual surgeons may be more focused on areas such as facial trauma, reconstruction or cancer treatment, so it pays to be referred to the right surgeon for your particular problem.

7. What is a paedodontist, and do they only see children? (18:51)

Paediatric dentists specialise in treating children, including anxious and special-needs patients and complex developmental conditions, with training in child psychology, growth and behaviour management. Very young children who need extensive treatment usually require a general anaesthetic in hospital, which is core paediatric-specialist territory. In Cape Town, severe childhood cases can be seen by the specialists at the Red Cross Children's Hospital.

8. Do you always need a referral to see a specialist? (21:24)

Legally, no: patients can self-refer. But care works far better when it is coordinated, so the primary dentist understands the full picture, and research shows that multidisciplinary, coordinated care produces much better outcomes than uncoordinated specialist visits. As Dr Yudelman puts it, dentistry works best when it is played as a team sport.

9. Why does OptiSmile have specialists in-house? (23:19)

OptiSmile has a specialist prosthodontist in-house, alongside general dentists with deep special interests, such as Dr Harris in Invisalign and Dr Ruan, who teaches root canals to other dentists. The team meets every Tuesday to review complicated cases shoulder to shoulder at the screen, so patients get several experienced minds on their treatment plan rather than a single opinion.

10. How do general dentists and specialists work together on complex cases? (24:55)

Complex cases demand proper sequencing: gums treated first, teeth aligned next, and the restorative work of crowns, implants or bonding at the end, all planned together. The general dentist coordinates while the specialists contribute their expertise, which improves treatment longevity and lowers lifetime cost. Dr Yudelman also warns against self-proclaimed “experts” who take on major multi-specialty cases after a short course, with sometimes disastrous results.

Closing Thoughts

The takeaway from this episode is simple: dentistry works best as a team sport, with your general dentist coordinating the plan and the right specialist brought in at the right moment. Getting that referral right protects both your teeth and your wallet. Join Eon and Dr Yudelman next week, when they turn their attention to social media and dentistry. Until then, look after your teeth, and also your wallet.

Further Resources

Prosthodontist in Cape Town (Dr Jurie Steyn): https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/prosthodontist-cape-town/

Root Canal Treatment in Cape Town: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/root-canal-treatment-cape-town/

Orthodontics at OptiSmile: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/orthodontics/

Invisalign in Cape Town: https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/invisalign-cape-town/

Meet the OptiSmile Team: https://optismile.co.za/about-us/

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.

Protests have been in the news a lot this week. Who do you claim from in the event that your property (movable or immovable) is damaged in a protest? We ask Thabiso Tshukudu of Hahn & Hahn Attorneys.

Legal Talk is aired every Wednesday morning at 10:00 on eRadio and available as a podcast thereafter.

Zee Mapoma of SA Harvest joins Eon to talk about their Start Strong Mandela Day campaign, which aims to support babies and young children during the critical first 1,000 days of life.

Find out how SA Harvest works with trusted community organisations to tackle food insecurity, why the campaign encourages long-term support rather than once-off donations, and how the Start Strong Bucket is helping vulnerable families build healthier futures.

For more information or to become involved, visit https://saharvest.org/

To have your NPO featured on eRadio SA, please email: [email protected]