Teeth Cleaning Guide How To Keep Your Teeth Clean

When am I required to brush my teeth?

It is important to brush your teeth after every meal and most importantly, just before you go to bed. You can always consult your dentist for further information as this will help you to maintain high hygiene status.

Which is the best – electric or manual toothbrush?

What you need to know is that it does not matter whether you are using a manual or electric toothbrush. Both are good for maintaining high standards of hygiene as long as you use approved fluoride toothpaste and brush all the surfaces. However, many people find it easier to clean the teeth well with an electric brush.

What features should I look for in a toothbrush?

The best toothbrush for adults is one with a small head, compact and angled arrangements which have long and short round end bristles. For most people, medium or soft bristles are ok. If you will be using an electric toothbrush, you need to select one with an oscillating or rotating head as they work better than a manual toothbrush.

It is important to ensure that you brush your teeth twice a day and if in doubt, you can always consult with your dentist.

Which is the best toothpaste to use?

The best toothpaste should have the right concentration of fluoride. You need to check the packaging for this information. For adults, the toothpaste should contain 1,350 parts per million fluoride. Your child does not have to use a special toothpaste as they can use the family toothpaste as long as it contains 1,350 to 1,500 ppm fluoride. For those who are aged six and under and don’t have tooth decay, they can use a lower strength toothpaste but it should contain less than 1,000 ppm fluoride.

For children aged three and below, they should use a smear of toothpaste and for those aged between three and six years, they should use a pea sized blob of toothpaste. You need to ensure that your child does not lick the toothpaste. You need to consult your dentist on the best toothpaste every time you make a regular visit.

Appropriate way to brush your teeth

When brushing, make sure the bristles are in contact with the surface of your teeth. This should be within a period of 2 minutes. You need to brush the inside surfaces, outside and chewing surfaces of the teeth.

Helping your child brush their teeth: How-To.

When it comes to brushing the teeth, you need to help your child or supervise them do so. This should be done until they attain the age of seven years old.

Tips on brushing a child’s teeth

Never rinse your mouth with water immediately you have finished brushing. Once you are done with brushing, spit the excess toothpaste. When you rinse with water, it will dilute the concentrated fluoride therefore reducing its preventative effects.

Do I need to use a mouthwash?

It is important to use a mouth wash that contains fluoride as it helps to prevent tooth decay. What you need to avoid is using a mouth wash immediately after you have finished brushing your teeth. Select a different period such as after lunch and ensure that you don’t eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after using a mouthwash.

Using dental floss

Flossing is not just about dislodging food that is wedged between the teeth. It helps to reduce gum disease as well as preventing bad breath since it removes plaque which forms along the gum line. Floss your teeth before brushing. Start by taking 12 to 18 inches of floss or dental tap. Grasp one end and the other in your hands, slip the floss between the teeth and gums and make 8 to 10 strokes up and down between each tooth. This will help to dislodge food and plaque.

Using interdental brushes

Interdental brushes or single tufted brushes can be used instead of flossing especially if one has gaps between the teeth. The brush fits snugly between the teeth. Avoid using toothpicks to remove lodged food between the teeth as this may damage the gums leading to infection.

Consult your dentist for more information on interdental cleaning.

 


Disclaimer: The information provided has been prepared as a guide only and the steps taken are likely to vary for different appliance models. We strongly recommend using a qualified engineer to undertake major repairs and fault finding.

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