By Rachel Newcombe
It’s easy to take your teeth for granted, but they need plenty of care and attention. Learn how to keep your teeth in tip-top condition and reduce the risk of problems, with help of these practical teeth-cleaning tips.
1) Brush regularly - at least twice a day, in fact. It’s the simplest way of keeping your teeth clean and healthy and free of plaque. If the plaque stays on the teeth, it continues to build up and can eventually cause teeth decay and gum disease.
2) Use a small to medium sized toothbrush with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles, or try an electric toothbrush. A small head ensures the brush can get into all parts of the mouth, especially at the back. Specially designed smaller brushes are available for children.
3) Always used a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, or a small scraping for a child under seven years old, and avoid swallowing it. Dentists say the flouride in toothpaste helps provide extra protection for teeth, but there are non-flouride versions available if you’d prefer. Children’s toothpastes automatically have less fluoride than adult versions, and whitening toothpastes are good for helping to remove stains.
4) Brush your teeth using circular movements. If you’ve got dentures, clean them using a denture brush and plain soap, and lean over a bowl of water or a soft surface to stop them breaking if dropped.
5) Clean between your teeth with dental floss or tooth picks to ensure all plaque and food particles are removed. Persevere with flossing, as it sometimes takes a while to get used to.
6) Change your toothbrush regularly, especially when the bristles look misshapen and are sticking out at strange angles.
7) Use a mouthwash to freshen breath and give extra plaque protection, or try a special tongue cleaner.
8) Visit your dentist for a check-up at least once a year. If there are problems, they’ll be quickly spotted and dealt with, and it could result in less treatment being needed overall than if it was left for ages. It’s recommended that children attend with their parents as early as possible to get used to it, and then visit about every six months.
9) There’s no need to be scared about going to the dentist! Dentists are human too, they’re friendly and helpful, and modern treatments are relatively painless. If you are concerned, don’t be afraid to say so. Some people find relaxation techniques and hypnosis beneficial for relieving fears.
10) Cut down on sugary drinks and snacks - if you are eating them, do so during mealtimes, as it helps to limit the amount of time your teeth are under attack. Try and choose sugar-free squashes or cordials for children.
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