How to brush your teeth

A guide from our very own Dental Hygienist at Tooth Doctor. Read our top tips on how to brush your teeth.

• You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, once just before you go to bed and at least one other time during the day.
• You should brush for at least 2 minutes each time giving each quarter of your mouth 30 seconds.
• It doesn’t matter whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush. They’re both equally as good, as long as you brush all the surfaces of all your teeth and you use fluoride toothpaste.
• Medium or soft tooth brushes are best for most people.
• Adults should use a toothpaste that contains at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride.
• Children don’t need to use special “children’s toothpaste”. Children of all ages can use family toothpaste, as long as it contains 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride. Children aged six and under who don’t have tooth decay can use a lower-strength children’s toothpaste, but make sure it contains at least 1,000ppm fluoride.
• Below the age of three, children should use just a smear of toothpaste. Children aged three to six years should use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste. Make sure children don’t lick or eat toothpaste from the tube.
• Make sure you brush all the surfaces of all your teeth, Remember to brush the inside surfaces, outside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
• Children need to be helped or supervised brushing their teeth until they’re at least seven years old.
• After brushing spit out the excess toothpaste but don’t rinse as the toothpaste left on your teeth will help protect your teeth.
• Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help to prevent tooth decay, but don’t use mouthwash –even a fluoride one – straight after brushing your teeth or it will wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth. Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch. Don’t eat or drink for 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash.
• Flossing isn’t just for dislodging food wedged between your teeth. Regular flossing may also reduce gum disease and bad breath by removing plaque that forms along the gum line. It’s best to floss before brushing your teeth.
• You can use interdental brushes instead of flossing, especially if there are gaps between your teeth. The brush should fit snugly between the teeth.
• Never use toothpicks.
• Your dentist can recommend what is best for you to use.
• Don’t forget to visit your dentist every 6 months to check for tooth decay and your oral cavity and have a hygiene appointment to clean your teeth to keep your gums nice and healthy.