Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene for your teeth
The basics of keeping your teeth and the overall mouth clean and hygienic start with brushing the teeth in the proper way twice a day. Use any fluoride toothpaste for the purpose and brush for exactly a couple of minutes each time. In simpler words this sums up to sparing just 30 seconds for cleaning each quadrant of the mouth. When maintaining oral hygiene is concerned, it is relevant to discuss about plaques. Plaques are nothing but films of harmful bacteria that automatically form in the mouth. Plaque build-ups must be properly cleared away from the mouth. If you let these harmful films accumulate in your mouth you become easily susceptible to cavities in the teeth and gum disease.
Regular brushing the teeth in the proper manner prevent accumulation of plaque build-ups in the mouth.
Ideal times to brush the teeth
Ideally you should brush the teeth twice a day – once in the morning before starting your day. Then at night before going to sleep. Based on the specific condition of your oral health your dentist or dental hygienist may give you additional instructions on maintaining sound oral health.
Choosing between electric and manual toothbrushes
If you know the right skills of brushing the teeth then it does not matter whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual one. Both are equally effective provided you use the tool the right way. Make sure to clean all the three surfaces of the teeth and brush the surface of the tongue too whenever brushing the teeth.
However it is important to use toothbrushes that come with soft bristles. When manual brushing is concerned explains one of the best dentists in Wimbledon. Soft bristles ensure there is no accidental damage to the soft tissues of the gums and the outermost protective enamel coating of the teeth. Using any fluoride toothpaste is best to ensure strong, healthy and disease-free teeth and the gums in the long run.
Usually older adults who suffer from chronic condition of arthritis and younger children experience difficulties brushing the teeth properly using manual toothbrushes. For them an electric toothbrush is usually a better choice.
Choosing the right toothbrush is important
The ideal design of toothbrushes includes a tiny head with a compact and angular arrangement of bristles with round ends. When you switch to an electric toothbrush. There is an oscillating or rotating head which clears away food debris and plaques from your teeth. Whether you select a manual toothbrush or an electric one. It is crucial to clean the teeth thoroughly using the device twice every day. In any case if you are in any doubt regarding the choice of your toothbrush or toothpaste, you should always consult your dentist to get the best guidance.
The type of toothpaste you should use
Qualified and experienced dental professionals in London suggest you should choose any toothpaste that has the right concentration of fluoride in it. This information remains printed on the package of every product. Here are few basic tips to help you over the matter.
- As an adult, ideally you should use toothpaste that contains a minimum of 1350 parts per million (PPM) fluoride.
- There is not much need for children to use any special toothpaste meant for them. As long as any family toothpaste contains fluoride within the range from 1350 to 1500 PPM, children of any age can use that product.
- If you want your child may use toothpaste of lower strength; but that should not be below 1000 PPM and that should be for children below 3 years of age.
- The quantity of toothpaste also matters, children who are below 3 years should use only a smear of toothpaste whereas those within the age range from 3 to 6 years should use a blob of toothpaste same as the size of a pea.
- You must make sure that your little ones do not lick or eat toothpaste and instead must brush their teeth with it.
The right approach to brush the teeth
The main purpose of brushing the teeth is to clear away harmful plaque build-ups from the surface of the teeth and the overall mouth. Always apply gentle pressure of the hand while brushing; never brush the teeth vigorously. You only need brushing the teeth for about two minutes each time and cover all the three surface of the teeth. Make it a point to clean the tongue every time you brush the teeth. If you want to know more about proper brushing, you should ask your dentist or dental hygienist to help you.
An affordable dentist in Wimbledon suggests not rinsing the mouth with water immediately after brushing. Rather wait for a few minutes before rinsing the mouth with water. This ensures fluoride stays on the teeth and the gums for some time to provide reinforcement.
Use of mouthwash in maintaining sound oral hygiene
An antibacterial mouthwash that has a fluoride base and free from alcohol is suitable to provide protection against tooth decay and gum disease. You should never use a mouthwash right after brushing the teeth as that washes away all the benefits of fluoride toothpaste at one go. You should rather use a mouthwash at some other time, say after lunch every day. After using a mouthwash you should try not to drink or eat.
Anything other than plain water for at least 15 to 20 minutes to prolong the benefits of the mouthwash.
Tips to use an inter dental toothbrush
If you are not comfortable with flossing then you can switch to inter dental toothbrush to maintain optimum oral hygiene. In fact inter dental toothbrush is more suitable for those who have prominent gaps between the teeth. This range of brushes fits snugly between the teeth to clear the intermediate space. Stop using toothpicks to get rid of food particles trapped between the teeth. That way you may damage the soft tissues of the gums and that in turn may lead to an infection.
Using dental floss
The best time to floss the teeth is while brushing the teeth at night before going to sleep. Regular flossing is effective staying safe from harmful plaques, tooth decay and gum disease.
- Take about 35 cm of floss (also called dental tape) and grasp it with the fingers. So now you have about 3 to 4 cm of floss taut between the fingers.
- Slip the floss between the teeth and also in the region between the teeth and the gum.
- Dentists working at the SW19 Confidental Dental Clinic in Wimbledon suggest flossing with at least 8 to 10 strokes up and down between the teeth.
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