How should I brush my teeth and should I floss?
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How should I brush my teeth and should I floss?
Dental hygiene is a vital part of every daily routine, but how do we know when we're getting it right? Craig will give you the information that you need to ensure you are giving your teeth the correct care and attention that they need to remain sparkling and in top condition.
When you are brushing or flossing your teeth, the main thing that you are trying to do is both remove and also prevent plaque build-up. The presence of this bacterial plaque can contribute towards tooth decay and disease in gums. For this reason, it is important to ensure that when you are brushing your teeth, you are covering all available surface of each tooth.
The ideal amount of time for tooth-brushing is two minutes. Any less and you are unlikely to have cleaned the thoroughly, and any more could potentially cause damage to gums and other areas of the mouth. Do this twice a day, once at night before you go to bed and once at some other point in the day. Most people integrate the first tooth brushing session into their morning routine.
When it comes to equipment, it really doesn't matter if you choose to use a manual or an electric toothbrush. They are both just as efficient as one another when used correctly, so choose whichever you prefer. Some people find that using an electric toothbrush makes it far easier for them to cover all surfaces. For a manual toothbrush, choose one which has medium or soft bristles arranged on a small head in an angular, compact arrangement with a combination of short and long bristles. Electric toothbrushes work best with a head which is able to rotate.
Be sure to use a toothpaste which contains fluoride. For both children and adults, you'll need a toothpaste that contains around 1350 parts per million of fluoride but should not go over 1500 parts per million. Younger children may need smaller amounts and can have lower concentrations of fluoride.
After brushing your teeth do not immediately rinse your mouth out after spitting out your toothpaste. Let the toothpaste sit in your mouth for a while to allow the fluoride to take effect on any plaque present. The same goes for mouthwash, although they can be effective if they contain fluoride, by using it straight after brushing teeth you will be diluting the concentration of fluoride from the toothpaste, thus preventing plaque removal.
Flossing is a vital part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. As well as removing larger items of food from between the teeth, doing so can prevent the development of bad breath as well as gum disease by removing plaque from the gum line. It is more effective to floss before brushing your teeth. Use 8-10 strokes between each tooth and gum. This will help to dislodge plaque and food.
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