It's important to brush your teeth thoroughly to avoid tooth decay. However, many people in Denmark don't have their oral hygiene under control.
Read more here about how to brush your teeth correctly. If you have any further questions, you are welcome to contact Tandliv.
2 a day for 2 minutes
You should brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day - preferably morning and evening. This will keep as many bacteria away from your teeth as possible.
In the morning, it's not so important when you brush your teeth. However, if you drink juice or other acidic products, it's a good idea to wait 1 hour before brushing your teeth, otherwise acid damage can occur.
The best time to brush your teeth is in the evening, just before you go to bed and don't eat any more food. This way you avoid bacteria from damaging your teeth overnight.
It is not necessary to brush your teeth more than twice a day. Brushing too often can also damage the enamel on your teeth.
Choose the right toothbrush
Many people prefer to use a stiff toothbrush as they think it gives a cleaner feel. However, you should be mindful to brush with soft strokes when you have a harder toothbrush.
If the toothbrush is too hard and used too hard, it can damage teeth and gums.
A soft toothbrush can also easily remove bacteria as teeth are smooth and therefore plaque can be easily brushed away.
No matter what type of toothbrush you use, it's important that you brush thoroughly and make sure you get into every nook and cranny. This is where using an electric toothbrush can be beneficial, as they come with a smaller brush head.
How to best brush your teeth
It's a good idea to have a system for how you brush your teeth for the most effective brushing.
- Proceed systematically: Start on one side in either the upper or lower mouth and then brush one tooth at a time. Focus first on the inside of the tooth, then the outside and finally the top.
- Use circular motions: It's important to use small circular motions as it allows you to get into every nook and cranny. Beware of using large scrubbing motions as this will not clean the teeth sufficiently.
- Choose toothpaste with fluoride: It's essential that your toothpaste contains fluoride as it is the only agent that has a proven effect in preventing tooth decay. Fluoride can also have a positive effect on tooth icing as it can reduce sensitive tooth necks.
- Floss: 2 out of the 5 surfaces of the tooth cannot be reached with a toothbrush. That's why it's important to floss between teeth to minimize the risk of cavities.
