PREVENTING ORAL CONDITIONS

Brushing is the best form of prevention

Choose the right brush

You should contact your dentist to find the toothbrush suitable for you, though most adults require a small or medium-sized toothbrush, with soft to medium, multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles.

Your brush head and bristles should be small enough to reach into the crevices of your molars, where food debris can hide after you eat, especially in the back of the mouth.

Children need to use smaller brushes but with the same type of filaments.

Brush twice a day

Brushing your teeth regularly and for long enough is very important.

Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, preferably in the morning and in the evening, for at least two minutes.

Use a proper brushing technique

Quickly washing your bristles isn't enough to remove all food debris and ensure your teeth are polished.

Keep your brush clean

Your toothbrush can breed new bacteria if covered: rinse it after each use and allow it to air dry. You should also avoid sharing brushes with others, even your kids.

Change your brush frequently

Bristles deteriorate with time and usage and cease to clean properly, therefore it is important to change your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if the filaments become worn.

Brushing techniques

While your dentist will suggest the most suitable technique for you, one of the most recommended is the following:

Place a dab of fluoride toothpaste (effective at preventing cavities and at repairing tooth enamel) on the head of the toothbrush.
Place the bristles of your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle near the gum line, so that they are in contact with both the teeth and the gum. Brush the surface of every tooth using small circular movements, several times.
Afterwards, follow the same procedure for the inner surfaces of your teeth and gum. Make sure the bristles reach into spaces between teeth.
Brush the surfaces of your tongue and roof of your mouth with a few gentle brush strokes.

Did you know?

Brushing too often (more than twice per day) — or too hard — can cause gum recession, and damage the root surfaces of the teeth by abrading them.

How often do you change your toothbrush?

Monthly
A few times a year
Yearly

Don't forget flossing:

Floss your teeth once a day to remove food and plaque between the teeth and where they meet the gums, as your toothbrush cannot reach these areas.

Flossing also stimulates the gums and help lower inflammation in the area.

You can use ‘interdental' brushes, or dental floss or tape.

Did you know?

Oral care is not only about your teeth. Your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth need cleaning too.

Flossing technique

Cut a strip of floss about 45cm (18-inches) long.
Grip with the middle fingers of each hand, leaving a 1-inch section open for flossing. Floss the top teeth first, then the bottom.
Use your index fingers to push the floss between the teeth, avoiding to push too hard and injure the gums.
Forming a C-shape around the tooth, move the floss up and down against the tooth and up and around the gum line.
Floss between each tooth as well as behind the back teeth.
Use a clean section of floss as needed, every few teeth.

Use mouthwash:

Rinse your mouth daily with a fluoride or antibacterial mouthwash, swishing the rinse around in your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds.

It cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, and re-mineralizes the teeth.

Ask your dentist for specific recommendations and add it to your oral care regime to get the most thorough clean you can, even when you're on the go.