Dentists say that you should clean your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss, and see a hygienist once in a while if you need to. We’ve always known these things, but when we brush our teeth without considering about it, how can we be sure we’re doing everything right?
Electric or manual?
When it comes to toothbrushes, you have a lot of options. Electric toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning your teeth, but if you don’t brush as hard because you think the rotating head is doing all the work for you, they’re not as good. Read our blog post “Choosing The Right Toothbrush” for more information about which toothbrush is best for you.
Not only is it important to choose the right toothbrush, but it’s also important to know how to use it.
If you brush your teeth at 6am when you’re only half awake, you might miss some parts of your mouth. Remember to take care of your gums, too. In the UK, 3 out of every 4 adults over the age of 35 have gum disease, so taking care of your teeth and gums is the best way to avoid it. Remember that you should talk to your dentist if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth.
Which Toothpaste?
Plaque is a type of bacteria that builds up on the surface of our teeth. If left untreated, plaque can lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Plaque can be removed easily and effectively with toothpaste, and you can choose from a wide range of toothpastes, such as those that whiten, freshen breath, or calm sensitive teeth. If cold foods and drinks, like ice cream or iced coffee, make you feel bad, your dentist may tell you to use desensitising toothpaste. It’s up to you to decide what toothpaste to use, so as long as you use it, you can’t go wrong!
Flossing
Almost certainly, your dentist will enquire you if you floss during your appointment. If you don’t, you might mumble, “Sometimes…” in a bit of embarrassment. Flossing is an easy way to clean areas of your teeth that your toothbrush hasn’t been able to reach. Flossing is the best way to get rid of plaque and food stuck between teeth. You can do it with dental floss or tape. If you have bigger gaps between your teeth, your dentist may tell you to use interdental brushes. Try to floss at least once a day.
Mouthwash
The roof of the mouth is another place we might not brush enough. Some people don’t like it when you touch the roof of their mouth because it has a lot of nerves that make it ticklish and sensitive. One of the main reasons to use mouthwash is to get rid of plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush hasn’t been able to reach. Mouthwash is also helpful for getting rid of bad breath, plaque, and other problems with oral hygiene. There are many kinds of mouthwash, but in general, any fluoride mouthwash works well and is cheap.
If your gums are bleeding, you should make an appointment with your dentist. Call Shine Dental Care at 01623 629391 to make an appointment with our friendly hygienist.