We all know that cleaning your teeth every day is something that’s essential, but why is this the case? Here at Tiwari Watson, your dentist in Glasgow, we know that having a great smile is really important to you, and regular brushing is the first and vital step to achieving that.
Cleaning your teeth removes debris from food and helps to remove plaque, both of which can cause gum problems and staining of the teeth. The way that the cleaning is done and when you do it can make a big difference to how effective it is. Read on to find out the best ways to keep those pearly whites in tip top condition.
Take care with your toothbrush
As the dentist in Glasgow, we ask our patients about the kind of toothbrush they are using. Brushing with an old brush that features worn bristles is not going to clean your teeth effectively, yet many people make the mistake of doing this.
You should get a new toothbrush or new head for your electric brush every three months to make sure you’ve got the best tool for the job of removing plaque and debris from the teeth. Should you get an electric toothbrush? It’s by no means essential to do so, but these devices can make the task a little easier.
Toothpaste
Most toothpaste brands contain fluoride, which is important for helping to protect the enamel of your teeth. However, toothpastes that are bought in health shops or from beauty suppliers don’t necessarily feature fluoride – so it’s worth double checking this before you buy. If your toothpaste doesn’t contain this important ingredient you are at greater risk of tooth decay which can result in the development of dental issues as you age.
How should you brush your teeth?
Most of us know that you should spend at least two minutes cleaning your teeth, but it can be easy to do a rushed job which may make your teeth and gums vulnerable. Setting a timer on your phone can help to ensure that you brush for long enough, and is an especially good idea when teaching children to take care of their teeth.
Brushing is best done in little circles around each tooth, with the brush pointing upwards. Cleaning your teeth in this way means that the gums are taken care of too, which is important to keep the mouth healthy. It’s a good idea to brush firmly, but don’t go too hard or you risk removing some of the enamel on your teeth.
It’s best not to clean your teeth straight after eating. This is because eating helps to produce acids which make your enamel slightly weaker for a duration of around thirty minutes. Waiting for at least this time means that you can minimise the risk of damaging your enamel by brushing.
Here at Tiwari Watson Dental Care, we can help by giving your teeth a professional clean so that you’re off to a good start with oral hygiene at home. If you have any other issues that you’d like to address, we are happy to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.