Many people believe that cleaning their teeth is as simple as applying some toothpaste to a brush and giving them a quick once-over. However, if the teeth are not cleaned properly on a regular basis, there is an increased risk of a build-up of plaque and bacteria on the teeth. Not only does this cause a person’s breath to smell less fresh than it should, but poor dental hygiene can also result in gum disease.
There are two main ways to ensure that the teeth and gums stay sparkly clean and fresh. Firstly, regular check-ups with the dentist in Tunbridge Wells help to ensure that any issues are nipped in the bud before they become problematic. The dentist can also check that the teeth are being cleaned properly and offer a thorough professional clean, or ‘scale and polish’. Secondly, the patient can ensure that they are brushing effectively at home.
Ensure brushing isn’t too brief
It is easy to make the mistake of not brushing the teeth for long enough. However, a quick scrub is not going to remove plaque and food debris very effectively. The brushing should last around two minutes. If in any doubt, the patient should set a timer to ensure that they are cleaning for long enough.
Don’t rinse
Many people think that they should rinse the mouth after brushing, either with water or mouthwash. This is a mistake because it removes all the protective qualities of the toothpaste, such as fluoride, before they have had a chance to work. They should spit out any remaining toothpaste and leave it at that. If a person wishes to use mouthwash, it should only be between brushings.
Use a good toothpaste
There is a wide variety of toothpastes available, and many of them are very effective. However, it is important to check that the paste being used contains fluoride. This is because fluoride has a great protective effect on the teeth and can help to ensure that they are not subjected to decay.
Be careful not to brush too soon
If a person has been sick or has had foods or drinks which could be abrasive to the teeth, it is not a good idea to brush immediately afterwards. This is because vomiting or having a drink such as fruit juice can remove the layer of saliva that usually resides on the teeth. This layer means that brushing does not erode the teeth in any way. It is best to wait for at least 30 minutes after being ill or having acidic foods or drinks before cleaning the teeth.
Don’t go in too hard
It’s a common error to think that using a hard bristled brush with a heavy-handed approach will help a person to make their teeth cleaner. In fact, this can erode the teeth and cause the gums to recede. It is best to opt for medium bristles and an electric toothbrush can be helpful as many of them alert the user if they are brushing too hard. These kinds of brushes can also be more effective at giving the teeth a thorough clean.
