Brushing your teeth is one of the best defences against the bacteria that cause tooth decay, gum disease and other problems. Teeth brushing is a daily habit that many of us do on autopilot, but that can sometimes mean following the wrong guidance or falling into bad habits.
Read these tips to make sure you and your family are taking the best care of your teeth and contact our Brisbane dentists for personalised oral hygiene advice.
1. Brush twice a day
For most people, dentists advise brushing twice a day – ideally shortly after waking up and before going to bed. Your dentist may recommend more frequent brushing if you need to improve your oral health.
You should avoid brushing within 30 minutes of consuming acidic or sugary food and drinks, as these can weaken tooth enamel.
2. Brush for two minutes
Brushing all of your teeth should take around two minutes in total, spending an equal amount of time cleaning the front, back and chewing surfaces. You can use a stopwatch or other timer to help you get a sense of the time.
3. Brush at a 45-degree angle
Tilting your brush slightly helps to remove bacteria and food debris from around the gumline. You should brush back and forth gently, as brushing too roughly can damage the enamel.
4. Brush your tongue
Bacteria also build up on the tongue. Gently brushing your tongue from the back to the front or using a tongue scraper can remove more bacteria and help freshen your breath.
5. Use fluoride toothpaste
Fluoride in toothpaste helps to strengthen and remineralise teeth. Adults and children over 3 should use toothpaste containing at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride. Younger children should use low-fluoride children’s toothpaste.
6. Don't rinse after brushing
Rinsing your mouth with water after brushing washes away fluoride that helps protect your teeth. Make sure you spit out any excess toothpaste and teach children not to swallow it.
7. Choose medium or soft bristles
When shopping for a new toothbrush, avoid hard bristles, as these can damage enamel. Children should use a special child-size toothbrush that fits their mouth.
8. Some people find an electric toothbrush easier
A manual toothbrush can clean as effectively as an electric toothbrush, but some people find an electric brush easier or more appealing to use. You can talk to your dentist at your next check-up for advice about whether going electric would help you.
9. Help young children to brush
Children usually need help brushing their teeth until around the age of 7, or as recommended by your family dentist. It’s still advised to brush together after this age so you can check they’re brushing correctly.
10. Change your toothbrush every 3 months
You should replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head after 3 months, when the bristles become frayed, or after an illness.
Talk to a dentist in Brisbane
If you’re due for a check-up or just need some oral health advice, contact our friendly team at Swish Dental today. You can call our dentists in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or our Mitchelton dentists on (07) 3354 3341, or book an appointment online.