Teeth

Advice on how and when to brush yours and your children's teeth

 

Brushing is the best way to protect teeth and mouth from problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.            

The best way to clean teeth and gums is through regular brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
           

A smear of family toothpaste

A pea-sized amount of family toothpaste

 

Advice and tips on how to brush your teeth

 

 

Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
This is the best way to protect ourselves from problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
The following tips will help when brushing:

• Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth, then tilt the bristle tips to a 45-degree angle against the gumline.
• Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of every tooth.
• Brush the outside of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gumline.
• Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.
• Brush the biting surfaces of the teeth.
• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the front part of the brush.
• Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath and will clean your mouth by removing bacteria.
• Spit out any excess toothpaste. Do not rinse or allow your child to swallow it. 

It is also important to regularly change your toothbrush. This is usually every two to three months.

What is fluoride, where is it used and what does it do?

 

 

Fluoride is added to toothpaste to help protect teeth from tooth decay.
Fluoride helps to do this by:

• Strengthening the outside of a tooth (enamel) by making it more able to resist the acid in foods, which can cause tooth decay.  

Where is fluoride used?

Dentists recommend that children and adults should brush their teeth using toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Fluoride Varnish: Is another treatment that can be used to help protect against tooth decay. The varnish is painted on the surface of both children and adult's teeth to strengthen them against tooth decay. This is usually done every three to six months by a dentist or dental nurse.
Some people are be prone to tooth decay may also be prescribed mouthwash, gels and tablets containing higher levels of fluoride by their dentist. You should always ask a dentist first if you think using these products will help you or your family.