How Well Do You Look After Your Teeth?

What is your daily dental care regime?

We should all have a dental care regime that we follow, whether that be just brushing your teeth or a full oral care system. It’s vital that we look after our teeth as tooth decay and gum disease are both preventable conditions. Eating a balanced diet will help to keep your teeth healthy but a full dental care regime will ensure that your pearly whites last well into old age.

There are three main types of toothbrush:

Manual Toothbrush – This is the most common toothbrush. It usually consists of a plastic handle with nylon bristles on the head of the brush. The bristle designs can vary and some have different purposes to others. Manual toothbrushes don’t require any type of battery or charge.

Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush – This type of toothbrush is also known as a power toothbrush. You can recharge it by plugging it in at the wall. You should replace the head of the toothbrush every three months to ensure that it is adequately removing plaque from your teeth.

Battery Power Toothbrush – Battery power toothbrushes are an alternative to rechargeable electric toothbrushes. They offer power tooth brushing with enough vibration to have more cleaning power than a manual toothbrush.

Teeth Brushing Technique

Brushing your teeth isn’t rocket science, but there is a correct technique that you can train yourself in. Looking after your teeth from childhood to old age will ensure that you don’t have to visit the dentist too often!

Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day is the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Make sure that you brush each of the four sections of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left).

You’ve only got one set of permanent adult teeth, so you should try to look after them!

Tip: Always use fluoride toothpaste with your manual or power toothbrush as fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay. Try not to use mouthwash at the same time as brushing your teeth as the mouthwash will wash away the fluoride from the toothpaste.

Flossing

Flossing is an essential part of looking after your teeth and you should floss between your teeth daily. The bristles of toothbrushes can’t reach between your teeth so bacteria can linger there. Flossing will remove this bacteria and keep your teeth and gums in tip-top condition.

A stunning smile isn’t just about a thorough dental care regime. If you’re not happy with your smile, Invisalign’s innovative teeth straightening system could give you the brand new smile that you’ve been looking for. Find out more about Invisalign here.