Brushing:

• Brush your teeth twice per day, ideally in the morning and before you go to bed at night.

• Brush for two minutes making sure to be methodical and clean each quadrant (section).

• Using a fluoride containing toothpaste is essential!

• Replace your toothbrush when it becomes frayed

• Use a soft toothbrush, any will do you don’t need a fancy one.

• Some people find electric toothbrushes helpful but you can still do a good job with a manual one!

• Make sure you brush all sides of the teeth (biting surface, cheek-side and tounge-side) and you clean along the gum line!

• Use a circular brushing motion and hold your brush on a 45 degree angle to your teeth

Flossing

• Flossing is an important part of your oral hygiene, without it you are missing cleaning 35% of your teeth! And are at risk of decay between your teeth and gum disease!

• Flossing once per day is adequate, at night is ideal.

• Get the floss between two fingers (as pictured), get floss inbetween teeth and then wrap around the side of each tooth and bring floss down to slightly below gum line, repeat on opposite tooth.

• If you find flossing difficult there are alternatives such as floss holder(below left) and interdental brushes (below right)

Floss Holder

Interdental brush

Mouthwash

• Mouthwash can be helpful in some cases where oral hygiene is difficult.

• It is NOT a stand in or replacement for brushing or flossing, these remain essential.

• Ensure you use an alcohol free mouthwash (alcohol containing mouthwashes carry a small risk of oral cancer).

Hopefully you’ve found these basics helpful, if you have any questions or need any help with your oral hygiene regimen please don’t hesitate to contact-us.

Dr Matthew Clarke