Dental health
Keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible and keep visits to the dentist
to a minimum.
How to keep your teeth clean
Brush your
teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about two minutes to help
keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats your teeth if you don't brush
them properly. It contributes to gun disease and tooth decay.
Tooth brushing
stops plaque building up. Try to make sure you brush every surface of all
your teeth.
Toothbrush tips
When should I
brush my teeth?
Brush your teeth
for about two minutes last thing at night before you go to bed and on one
other occasion every day.
Your dentist may
give you more advice based on your own dental health and needs.
Should I use an
electric or manual toothbrush?
It doesn't matter
whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush. They're both equally as
good, as long as you brush all the surfaces of all your teeth and you use
fluoride toothpaste. However, some people find it easier to clean their
teeth thoroughly with an electric toothbrush.
What should I
look for in a toothbrush?
For most adults,
a toothbrush with a small head and a compact, angled arrangement of long and
short round-end bristles is fine. Medium or soft bristles are best for most
people.
If you're using
an electric brush, one with an oscillating or rotating head may work better
than a manual toothbrush.
However, making
sure you thoroughly clean your teeth at least twice a day is more important
than the type of brush you use. If in doubt, ask your dentist.
What type of
toothpaste should I use? It's important to use a toothpaste with the right
concentration of fluoride. Check the packaging to find out how much fluoride
each brand contains.
How to brush your teeth
Make sure you
brush all the surfaces of all your teeth, which should take about two
minutes. Remember to brush the inside surfaces, outside surfaces and the
chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Don't rinse with
water straight after tooth brushing
After brushing,
spit out any excess toothpaste. Don't rinse your mouth immediately after
brushing, as it will wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining
toothpaste, thus diluting it and reducing its preventative effects.
Should I use mouthwash?
Using a mouthwash
that contains fluoride can help to prevent tooth decay, but don't use
mouthwash – even a fluoride one –straight after brushing your teeth or it
will wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your
teeth. Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch. Don't
eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash.
How to use dental floss
Flossing isn't
just for dislodging food wedged between your teeth. Regular flossing may
also reduce gum disease and bad breath by removing plaque that forms along
the gum line. It's best to floss before brushing your teeth.