Viola's Hygiene Tips

By Viola Laurel - Dental hygienist/therapist

Use an electric toothbrush

Preferably one that has both oscillating and pulsating actions (eg ORAL B/Braun) as these toothbrushes have been shown to be much more effective.

Use an extra soft or soft toothbrush

This will help minimize damage to gums and teeth.

Using a medium or hard brush will scratch teeth and tear gums.

Brush before breakfast and after dinner

Fluoride in the toothpaste will help protect teeth from attack from acid whilst eating.

However you should’t eat or drink anything besides water at night after brushing as your saliva flow (a natural protectant of teeth) is reduced at night when sleeping so any food or sugars left in mouth will have increased potential to cause tooth decay.

Children under the age of 8 should be supervised or helped by a parent/guardian to ensure they are brushing well.

Brush along the gum line

Half the bristles should be on the gums and half on the teeth.

Brush in front of the mirror so you can make sure you are brushing all surfaces of your teeth effectively and that you're not missing any areas.

Brush gently

When using an electric toothbrush there is no need to scrub.  Place the toothbrush along the gum line and let the toothbrush do the rest of the work for you.

If you are using the correct brushing techniques there is no need to ‘scrub’ your teeth hard (this only damages your teeth and gums).

Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride

Read the labels on toothpaste to ensure they contain fluoride (colgate, macleans, oral b and other well known brands are good as they definitely contain fluoride).

Make sure young children (especially under the age of 6) are using a children's toothpaste as this will ensure that there are no dangers of toxicity and fluorosis if toothpaste is swallowed.

A smear of toothpaste on the brush will suffice.

Floss daily

Around the age of 12 children should be starting to floss as they are getting to the stage where they have all their adult teeth (which are characteristically closer together).  It is very common to see decay in between teeth, so if you start flossing early you can prevent food and plaque stagnation in this area which causes decay.

Ensure you take the floss under the gum line until you feel resistance, keeping it tight against the tooth then pull up.

Only use a mouth rise if it is recommended to you by your dentist or dental hygienist

Many mouth rinses have a high alcohol content which can be quite harsh on the gums.  That is why you should only use one when it is recommended and only for the recommended amount of time.

In most cases you shouldn't need a mouth rinse if you are cleaning effectively

Mouth rinses will not remove plaque from teeth, so never use as a substitute for brushing.  Tooth brushing is the only effective method of removing plaque.