How often should I Brush my Teeth?

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In order to make sure your oral health is on top form, it is important to brush and floss regularly. You should try to brush your teeth at least twice a day, although, it is preferable that you brush them after every meal. It is not always practical to do this however so you could opt for a chewable brush to use when you’re out and about, or if all else fails, simply swill some water around in your mouth to dislodge food debris. When brushing, make sure to use short, gentle strokes as being too hard on your teeth can often contribute to the erosion of the protective enamel layer.

Try to brush your teeth for at least two minutes at a time. Most adults don't come anywhere close enough, so some brands of toothbrushes come with a built in timer to alert you when you've brushed enough. It is important to pay special attention to the hard to reach places in your mouth such as the back of your teeth and near the gum line. If you have any dental restorations such as dental crowns or dental tooth fillings, it is important to make sure you keep the area around them clean.

In addition to brushing, you will also need to floss so that the bacteria living inbetween your teeth can be removed. It is commonly advised that you floss at least twice a day after brushing. Dentists will often advise brushing your tongue in order to eradicate the bacteria responsible for bad breath.

There are a range of brushes available on the market with heads designed for better contact or handles designed for more maneuverability, these can be great for keeping those hard to reach areas clean or for people with limited dexterity.

Electric toothbrushes were popularly thought to be more effective than manual brushing. However, recent studies indicate that most powered toothbrushes don't give you any advantage over brushing manually. However, it is often advised that people with medical issues such as arthritis or limited motor control use electricbrushes so that they can keep their entire mouths clean.

Read more in the Dental Treatment Information Guide »

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