If you have healthy teeth, you should brush at least twice a day to keep them that way. It's also important that the toothpaste you choose contains fluoride, as fluoride helps prevent and inhibit tooth decay.
Why is it important to brush your teeth?
When you brush your teeth, you remove plaque from both your teeth and gums. If plaque is left for too long, it causes both tooth decay(cavities) and gingivitis(periodontal disease), which you want to avoid to keep your teeth healthy for life. In addition, regular brushing also keeps your mouth fresh, preventing bad breath and yellow teeth.
Which toothbrush should you choose? Regular toothbrush vs. electric toothbrush
The toothbrush that works best for each individual is different - whether it's an electric or regular one. The most important thing to consider is whether the head is soft and small enough to brush the back molars. If your toothbrush is too hard, you could risk your gums receding or grinding damage to your teeth.
Electric toothbrushes usually have a smaller head, which for many people makes it easier to reach the back teeth. However, if you choose an electric toothbrush over a regular toothbrush, it's important to remember to get around all surfaces, even if you don't perform the brushing movements yourself.
How often should you change your toothbrush?
How often you should change your toothbrush varies. However, a good rule of thumb is that it's about time when the hairs start to bristle and the head loses its original shape. However, it's important to keep bacteria levels to a minimum by shaking off the water after brushing your teeth. That way you avoid bacterial build-up.
How do you brush your teeth correctly?
- When you brush your teeth, it should be done for a minimum of 2 minutes.
- Make sure you look in the mirror to make sure you get around each tooth. All the surfaces of your teeth should be brushed - front, back, spaces and chewing surfaces.
- One way to make sure you reach every nook and cranny is to create the same system every time you brush your teeth - start in the same place, end in the same place.
- Brush in gentle, small rotating movements so you don't press the toothbrush too hard against your teeth. Preferably finish with dental floss.
