Follow simple rules for a pearly smile
We all have a tooth-brushing routine, but some techniques are more effective than others. Here, dentists offer their top tips to ensure our teeth and gums remain healthy and white
What’s your tooth-brushing regime? Brushing twice a day? Flossing beforehand, or perhaps mouthwash is your thing?
There are a lot of misconceptions around this daily routine which could be putting your oral health at risk.
SHOULD I WET MY TOOTHBRUSH?
According to Professor Damien Walmsley from the British Dental Association, it all comes down to a question of choosing between hygiene and comfort.
He said: “A dry brush increases friction with the bristles and won’t dilute the fluoride in the toothpaste, while a wet toothbrush adds moisture and for most people, makes the brushing experience more pleasant.
“Whatever your preference, what’s essential is that teeth should be brushed twice a day for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, including last thing at night.”
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE MOUTHWASH?
One thing you must consider, though, is mouthwash and rinsing.
Prof Walmsley said: “Regarding the mouthwash, rinsing your mouth after brushing will wash away the benefits of the fluoride so the advice is if you use a mouthwash use it at a different time to brushing.
“The other important point that people may miss in the wet/dry brush debate is don’t rinse your mouth with water after brushing for the same reason as above, so the advice is ‘spit, don’t rinse’.”
HOW LONG AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BRUSH?
According to the NHS Choices website you should be brushing for two minutes twice a day.
One of these times must be before you go to bed as this stops bacteria from having anything to cling on to overnight.
ELECTRIC OR MANUAL TOOTHBRUSH?
Anyone who has looked at the price of some electric toothbrushes will know that it could set you back a few quid.
Some dentists are steadfast that you should be using an electric toothbrush where possible, but according to NHS Choices you can get by with a manual.
According to its website: “It doesn’t matter whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush.
“They’re both equally good, as long as you brush all the surfaces of all your teeth and you use fluoride toothpaste.
“However, some people find it easier to clean their teeth thoroughly with an electric toothbrush.”
DO MY KIDS NEED TO USE CHILDREN’S TOOTHPASTE?
NHS Choices says: “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 old should use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste.
“Make sure children don’t lick or eat toothpaste from the tube.”
SHOULD I BUY A WHITENING TOOTHPASTE?
Dentist Matthew Lloyd says whitening toothpastes are of use to those of us seeking the perfect pearls, but we might want to be careful with the new trend for whitening strips.
He says: “I often get asked if whitening toothpastes work and the short answer is – yes, but they work by removing and preventing the build-up of surface stains, helping to restore teeth back to their natural whiteness.
“You may expect to achieve a half, to a whole shade whiter teeth while using a whitening toothpaste, so depending on how white you would like your smile to be, you may want to consider chemical whitening.
“The [non-peroxide whitening strips] that can be bought without a prescription over the counter could be more accurately described as stain removal strips because the simple truth is that over-the-counter products usually contain mild acids to remove stains, however, these acids can erode tooth enamel, so it’s best to avoid these products or buy quality, dental-strength strips through your dentist.”
WHAT TYPE OF TOOTHPASTE SHOULD I USE?
“It’s important to use a toothpaste with the right concentration of fluoride,” says the NHS choices website.
This information can be found on packaging.
Adults should use a toothpaste that contains at least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride.