Simple ways to keep your teeth clean

This is why common advice always starts with brushing your teeth twice a day for around 2 minutes. We also recommend using a fluoride toothpaste to help protect your teeth. This will help to limit the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth which can allow harmful bacteria to thrive.

Removing plaque and tartar

Plaque is a layer of bacteria that forms around the teeth if you don’t take the time to brush your teeth every day. Plaque leads to tooth decay and gum disease. The simplest way to prevent plaque accumulation is to brush your teeth regularly, ensuring that you brush the entire surface of each tooth.

Plaque deposits can harden to form tartar, which is a hard substance that sticks to the surface of your teeth. This will often be discoloured and might have a brown or yellow colour. This hard deposit on your teeth will attract stains from the things you eat and drink every day and could make you self-conscious about smiling.

The best way to protect your teeth from plaque and tartar is to brush your teeth twice a day; most people brush first thing in the morning and then before bed. Depending on the general condition of your teeth, your dentist may provide some other suggestions to that routine. You should also include flossing in your oral care routine.

Choosing your toothbrush

With manual and electric toothbrushes to choose from, many people wonder which option is better. The fact is that both options provide great results.

Using an electric toothbrush may be more convenient to some people. Many electric toothbrushes will include a timer so that you know that you have brushed your teeth for long enough.

If you choose a manual toothbrush, make sure you change the brush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles start to bend out at the ends. Brushes are usually available with soft, medium and hard bristles. If you’re not sure, start with a medium brush and then decide if this is the right kind for you.

The right toothpaste

The type of toothpaste you use is important too. Fluoride is essential to protect your oral health, so be wary about using natural and fluoride-free toothpaste. There is no evidence linking fluoride to health problems, particularly when it is used in such low concentrations.

Nearly all toothpaste is created the same, but there are a few exceptions. Whitening toothpastes will usually contain abrasive particles which can help to remove surface stains from your teeth.

Sensitive toothpaste will help to close the pores in your teeth that leave the nerves exposed to hot and cold sensations. These can be helpful for those who struggle with sensitivity, or those who have started a teeth whitening routine.

Finally, there is also toothpaste designed for those with gum disease. This will help to tackle the inflammation in your gums while also providing anti-bacterial support. It’s often recommended to follow this up with a specialist mouthwash.

Do I need mouthwash?

Using a mouthwash will also be helpful even though experts advise not to use this product right after you are finished with the brushing because you can destroy the effects of the toothpaste.

Rather than rinsing your mouth with water after brushing your teeth, try swishing some alcohol-free mouthwash around your mouth. Force it between your teeth in a swishing motion. When you spit it out, don’t follow this with water, as this will stop the mouthwash from having any benefit.

A note on flossing

Last but not least, you should not forget the importance of dental floss. With the help of dental floss, you will be able to eliminate the food stuck between your teeth and protect yourself from bad breath and gum disease.

You might use dental floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to help clean the areas between the teeth that brushing cannot reach.

If you have never flossed before, you might find that it makes your gums sore and tender the first time. They might even bleed. Don’t worry, this is normal, and it’s a sign that you really need to continue flossing.

Routine checkups and cleanings

We recommend a trip to the dentist for a routine checkup every 6 months. Your dentist will tell you if you can go longer between checkups. For example, some people will be able to go 18 months between appointments, provided they have no issues during this time.

You might also want to arrange a professional cleaning every 6-12 months to help protect your teeth against plaque and tartar buildup. For more advice about oral health, please contact us now.