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A BRIGHTER SMILE TEETH CLEANING GUIDE

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is essential to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

Your mouth contains bacteria, which live on your teeth, gums, lips and tongue. Some bacteria can be healthy in the right place, at the right time and in the right numbers. Our body needs this ‘friendly bacteria’. But other bacteria can be harmful and cause problems, especially if they attach themselves to the enamel that covers your teeth in the form of plaque.

Plaque is a film of bacteria that coats the teeth. The bacteria then feed on the sugars in our food and drink and produce acids that can destroy tooth enamel and cause decay.

If you don’t brush your teeth properly or look after your gums, these bacteria can multiply to form plaque. Plaque is the enemy of healthy teeth, contributing to gum disease, tooth decay and cavities.

TOOTHBRUSH TIPS

  • Replace your brush, or the brush attachment, every three months.
  • Never share your toothbrush, as this can spread infections.
  • Brush twice daily for at least two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste.

SHOULD I USE AN ELECTRIC OR MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH?

The type of toothbrush you use is important. For most adults a brush with a small head and a compact, angled arrangement of long and short, round-end bristles (filaments) is fine. Medium or soft bristles are best for most people. If in doubt ask your dentist.

An electric brush with an oscillating or rotating head will reduce plaque and the risk of developing gum disease more effectively.

WHAT TYPE OF TOOTHPASTE SHOULD I USE?

The cleansing agents and particles in toothpaste help to remove the plaque from your teeth, keeping them clean and healthy.

Most toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps to prevent and control cavities. It’s important to use one with the right concentration of fluoride for you, or your child. Check the packaging to find out how much fluoride each brand contains.

  • Children aged up to three: use a smear of toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm fluoride. This means you can use the family toothpaste, not special baby toothpaste, even at this age.
  • Children aged three to six: use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride.
  • Adults: use a toothpaste containing at least 1,350ppm fluoride.

BRUSHING TIPS

The British Dental Health Foundation gives the following advice on how to brush your teeth.

Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth, then tilt the bristle tips to a 45 degree angle against the gum line. Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of every tooth.

Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gum line.

Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.

Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the toe (the front part) of the brush.

Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath and will clean your mouth by removing bacteria.

Flossing isn't just a way to dislodge food wedged between your teeth. Regular flossing may help to reduce gum disease and bad breath by helping to remove the bacterial film (plaque) that forms along the gum line.

HOW TO FLOSS:

  1. Take 12 to 18 inches of floss and grasp it so that you have a couple inches of floss taut between your hands.
  2. Slip the floss between the teeth and into the area between your teeth and gums as far as it will go.
  3. Floss with eight to 10 strokes, up and down between each tooth, to dislodge food and plaque.
  4. Floss at least once a day. The most important time to floss is before going to bed.
  5. You can floss either before or after brushing.

SHOULD I USE MOUTHWASH?

Mouthwashes containing fluoride can be beneficial. Some may contain chlorhexidine or other antiseptic chemicals. These may be effective in improving plaque control and gum health when used as well as tooth brushing, or alone if you are unable to brush your teeth for some reason. Mouthwashes containing essential oils or other chemicals may not be as effective.

Also remember that many mouthwashes may contain alcohol, so they aren’t suitable for children who could swallow it by accident. If you use a mouthwash with alcohol you may notice you get a very dry mouth and dry, cracked lips. This is due to the drying effect of the alcohol and can be remedied by using an alcohol-free mouthwash instead and by applying lip balm or vaseline to the lips.

THE LITTLE EXTRAS

  1. Toothpicks Avoid using toothpicks as you may cause your gums to bleed and cause an infection. Floss is more gentle on teeth and gums.
  2. Interdental brushes These offer a better way to clean between your teeth than toothpicks.
  3. Plaque disclosing tablets These work by dyeing plaque either blue or red. Because they dye all bacteria and your mouth contains a lot of 'friendly' bacteria the tongue and gums also get dyed. You don't need to clean this off, but as the staining can last for some hours, it’s best to use these tablets at bedtime, or when you aren’t expecting visitors.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON LOOKING AFTER YOUR TEETH, VISIT:

http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/Dentalhealth/Pages/Dentalhome.aspx