Prevention - Cleaning of the teeth
Brushing
Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the food debris left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing removes plaque and food particles from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth.
Here is one method of removing plaque:
- Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth and angle against the gumline. Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of each individual tooth.
- Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gumline.
- Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.
- Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the toe (the front part) of the brush.
- Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath and will clean your mouth by removing bacteria.
Be sure to brush thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, more often if your dentist recommends it. If you keep getting discomfort or bleeding after brushing go to see your dentist about it.
How to use a SuperFloss
Miniflosser
It is a pre-loaded dental floss holder that makes using dental floss a little easier. The strong, slim and flexible dental floss glides easily between the tight spaces between your teeth.
Why use a Miniflosser?
Some people find it difficult to use normal floss. It is especially difficult for people who can’t grip properly.
Interdental brush
It is a small brush that can be held between your thumb and your fingers. Interdental brushes are available in various sizes which enables you to choose which size is most suitable for you. You may need to use more than one size to enable you to effectively clean all spaces between your teeth.
Why is my normal toothbrush not enough?
You will know that there are certain places in your mouth that are difficult to reach with your normal brush. There are also some gaps between your teeth that your toothbrush will not be able to access. With its small filaments and tiny bottle type head, the brush can be moved between the teeth to remove debris and plaque that will not have been removed by your usual toothbrush. They are available in two textures, original and Soft giving an effective option for even the most sensitive gums and teeth. You need to clean between all your teeth at least once a day.
Tongue cleansing
Tongue cleansing is a quick and efficient way to help achieve and sustain a healthy, fresh mouth. Recent scientific evidence supports the need to practise regular tongue cleansing to help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.
The back of the tongue is the main focal point for the majority of micro-organisms in the mouth, which are a major source of bad breath, plaque-forming bacteria and those associated with gingivitis and tooth decay. It is therefore important to reduce these micro-organisms in all areas of the mouth, especially the tongue. A tongue cleanser is the ideal tool to use in conjunction with a toothbrush and floss/interdental brushes to help achieve optimum oral cleanliness.
- 9 out of 10 people suffer from bad breath at some time or another
- 90% of bad breath comes from what is happening in the mouth.
- 80% of bad breath emanates from the back of the tongue.
The use of a specialist tongue cleanser is much more effective in reducing odour-causing bacteria than brushing the tongue with a toothbrush.
