Unlock the Secrets to Perfect Oral Health

- You brush your teeth to eliminate

plaque from your teeth.

And this helps to avert gum disease and tooth decay.

I suggest that you brush your teeth for

two minutes twice daily.

Once at night and another time during the day.

You can use an electric or a manual toothbrush,

using the correct brushing method.

If you choose a manual toothbrush,

it's beneficial to use a bamboo brush because it's environmentally friendly.

For children up to the age of eight,

we recommend that parents oversee their brushing

as they lack the necessary manual dexterity

to brush their teeth effectively.

Plaque disclosing tablets can also help you identify areas

that you miss while brushing.

They color the areas with plaque, so you can brush them away for better brushing.

Use a fluoride toothpaste suitable for your age.

If you brush your teeth, do so at least 30 minutes

after eating or drinking.

Using a manual toothbrush is perfectly fine.

You can also use a bamboo brush, which is more eco-friendly compared to plastic ones.

Electric toothbrushes can be more efficient,

but with a manual toothbrush, you can achieve excellent oral hygiene as well,

as long as you use the correct technique.

We recommend that you angle the bristles of your toothbrush

at 45 degrees to the gum line and then rotate the toothbrush,

removing all the debris from

around the tooth.

So, it's a 45-degree angle,

rotate it in a circular motion,

and then gradually move forward.

Each tooth should be brushed with about five rotations

to ensure you remove all debris.

Start with the outer surfaces of the teeth,

then move to the biting surfaces,

using the same rotational motion.

As you can see, you want the bristles of the toothbrush

to reach all the nooks and crannies of the teeth.

Finally, brush the inner surfaces of the teeth,

maintaining a 45-degree angle.

So, always angle the bristles towards the gum line,

removing any debris that might be underneath the gum margin.

Circular motion, each tooth, take your time, and gently

move forward.

Do this all the way to the front.

I recommend spending 30 seconds per quadrant.

A quadrant includes all the teeth from the front to the back on the upper right side,

then the upper left side,

lower left, and lower right.

So, 30 seconds per quadrant totals

two minutes for brushing your teeth.

I recommend doing this twice daily,

in the morning and at night.

If you don't brush your teeth properly,

you risk developing gum disease or decay.

One way to help yourself is by using an electric toothbrush.

They're very effective at brushing your teeth.

They alleviate a lot of the pressure from you

in terms of the brushing technique

because many of the movements are in the brush head.

Electric toothbrushes can be more efficient

because they have pressure sensors,

timers, and pacers to help you

brush your teeth correctly.

For example, you can divide your mouth into quadrants,

brushing each quadrant for 30 seconds

to complete all four quadrants in two minutes.

An electric toothbrush has a small circular head,

like this Oral-B model, which has a circular oscillating and rotating movement like this.

This means most of the movements you need to make are within the toothbrush head.

So, when brushing the teeth,

just place the bristles of the toothbrush

at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and hold it next to the tooth.

It will then do all the work for you like this.

Keep the toothbrush head on,

and brush each tooth for about three seconds.

Move forward, maintaining the same angle,

brushing the outer surfaces of the teeth.

Remember, you don't need to move in a circular motion,

the head will do it all for you on the outer teeth,

then brush the biting surfaces,

and the inner surfaces of the teeth.

Remember to keep it at a 45-degree angle,

reaching into the gum margins.

Brush each tooth for three seconds, all the way to the front,

and that completes one quadrant.

It should take you 30 seconds per quadrant,

totaling two minutes for all four quadrants.

This is a normal toothbrush,

with a longer head like a conventional

manual toothbrush.

You use it similarly, just hold it to the gum

at a 45-degree angle.

But with this one, you still need to rotate it

and move it along the teeth.

We recommend replacing your toothbrush heads

or manual toothbrushes every three months

or sooner if the bristles show signs of wear.

Look at the bristles of your toothbrush.

If they are splayed out, worn, or disfigured,

we recommend discarding that

toothbrush head and getting a new one.

Continuing to use a worn-out toothbrush head

can be harmful because it won't clean your teeth optimally

and can be abrasive.

So, be sure to replace your toothbrush head

regularly.

One way to remind yourself is to mark it

on your calendar.

Mark every three months on your calendar

when to change your toothbrush head.

Or you can use apps and phone reminders

to notify you.

Some toothbrush heads have a fading reminder

bristle.

Some toothbrush handles can track your brushing

and alert you when it's time to change your toothbrush head.

Be mindful of the environment when disposing

of your toothbrush heads and plastics.

So, it's good to monitor

and inspect your toothbrush head regularly

to see if the bristles are wearing out

and replace it as needed.

So, what happens if you don't brush your teeth?

Skipping one brushing session isn't a major problem

as long as you resume your normal brushing

the following days.

30% of Brits don't brush their teeth the recommended

two times a day,

and 2% don't brush their teeth at all.

If you continue not brushing your teeth,

plaque, food debris, and calculus will build up around your teeth,

leading to bleeding gums, tooth decay,

bad breath, and other issues.

For patients who haven't brushed their teeth

for years,

they may end up losing their teeth

and may need dentures or implants.

Fluoride is a substance that strengthens your teeth.

It helps prevent tooth decay and fight acid attacks.

It is listed in toothpaste as Sodium Fluoride,

Stannous fluoride, or Sodium Monofluorophosphate.

It strengthens your teeth by integrating

into your enamel structure,

making your enamel stronger.

Some people avoid Fluoride due to health concerns,

but as a dentist,

I recommend it for your teeth.

Different levels of fluoride are recommended

for adults and children.

You can find more information on the NHS website.

Generally, a pea-sized amount of adult toothpaste

is fine for adults.

There are dedicated children's toothpastes,

but you can use adult toothpaste with a tiny smear

on the toothbrush.

You can choose any toothpaste you like,

whether expensive or cheap,

as long as it contains Fluoride.

There are many toothpaste options available,

so check the link in the description

for more information.

A more environmentally friendly alternative

to regular toothpaste

is toothpaste tablets.

These are small tablets that you bite down on,

crush between your teeth,

and mix with saliva to form a paste

that you can brush with as usual.

Bleeding gums are not normal.

Many people think that if their gums bleed

and it doesn't hurt,

it's not a problem.

However, bleeding gums usually indicate gum disease or gingivitis.

Bleeding gums can be very common.

Your gums can bleed if they are red, swollen, or inflamed.

Gums bleed because they haven't been cleaned properly over time.

The way to prevent gum disease is to

floss your teeth well,

maintain good oral hygiene, and brush your teeth regularly.

Several factors can contribute to gum disease,

such as hormonal changes,

not brushing properly,

missing areas and leaving debris near your gums,

and certain medications.

Smoking can also affect your gums

and cause gum problems.

Interdental cleaning involves cleaning the gaps

between your teeth.

The area between two teeth is called the interdental space.

It's important to keep this area clean

to remove food, debris, and stains.

When you brush your teeth,

the toothbrush bristles don't reach between the teeth.

So, you need to use floss or interdental brushes

to clean this area.

Many people avoid flossing because their gums bleed

when they do.

The truth is that gums bleed because

you're not flossing enough.

Food and debris get stuck between your teeth,

inflaming your gums and causing bleeding.

One way to stop your gums from bleeding

and prevent gum disease

is to floss and clean between your teeth

with floss or interdental brushes.

If you start flossing for the first time

or after a long period,

your gums may bleed because of the plaque and debris buildup.

When you first start flossing,

you may be shocked by the bleeding,

but if you floss daily for two weeks,

your gums will heal and become healthy.

At the end of two weeks,

your gums should stop bleeding when you floss.

Use floss in tight areas

and brushes in wider gaps.

The gaps between your teeth can vary.

If your gums have receded,

you may have larger gaps where floss won't remove all debris,

so you need a brush.

Your dentist can show you the best size brush

for the gaps between your teeth.

Your dentist can recommend a personalized plan

for flossing and using interdental brushes.

Floss once a day before brushing your teeth.

Flossing removes debris from between your teeth,

and brushing removes it from your mouth,

leaving your teeth and gums clean.

Flossing can be tricky,

while interdental brushes are often easier to use,

as you just need to insert them between your teeth.

However, brushes don't work for everyone,

especially if your teeth are very close together.

When people try to floss,

they often don't know the correct technique,

resulting in trauma to their gums.

There is a proper technique for flossing.

When you clean between your teeth,

you might see

your gums bleed.

This is normal if your gums are inflamed.

Continue flossing and brushing daily,

and the bleeding will stop as your gums become healthier.

To floss correctly,

use a piece of floss about 30 centimeters long,

wrap it around your middle fingers,

and leave a small section to work with.

Use your thumb and forefinger to guide the floss.

Gently insert the floss between your teeth,

and curve it around each tooth in a C-shape,

cleaning the side of each tooth.

Move the floss up and down,

avoiding snapping it into your gums,

as this can cause trauma.

Repeat this process for each tooth,

using a clean section of floss each time.

Some flosses come on handles,

making it easier to use.

A water flosser is an alternative to traditional flossing.

It uses a jet of water to remove debris between your teeth and below the gum line.

If you find flossing difficult or have braces,

a water flosser can be helpful.

Mouthwash is not necessary for everyone,

but some people benefit from using it.

Mouthwash can freshen your breath,

help remove debris, and deliver fluoride to your teeth.

Use mouthwash at a separate time from brushing

to maximize the benefits of fluoride toothpaste.

Mouthwash should not replace brushing and flossing.

It's an adjunct to your oral hygiene routine.

Using a mouthwash with fluoride can help strengthen your teeth and prevent decay.

There are many types of mouthwash, including antiseptic, fluoride, and alcohol-free options.

Choose one that meets your needs, and follow the instructions on the label.

Remember to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Your dentist can detect issues early and provide professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that you can't remove at home.

Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining good oral health.

Even if you don't have teeth, regular dental visits are important for checking your oral health and ensuring your dentures fit properly.