Looking After Your Teeth: Brushing

Choosing a Toothbrush

Using the right toothbrush is crucial to effectively clean your teeth. We recommend a small-headed brush with soft or medium bristles so as not to place too greater strain on your gums. There is evidence to suggest that electric or 'sonic' toothbrushes are more effective in removing plaque bacteria. Although these can cost a bit more money than a standard manual toothbrush, think of the cost of replacing your teeth!

Choosing a Toothpaste

The choice of toothpastes available on the market is dizzying with products ranging from whitening to those for sensitive teeth. We recommend any toothpaste that contains fluoride, but try to find a brand that you like. It's easier to maintain a healthy oral regime if brushing your teeth is a pleasant experience. Regular twice-daily brushing is far more important than a paste that promises an extra shade of white.

Brushing Technique

  1. Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your brush.
  2. Moisten your brush with water to help your toothpaste foam up (depending on the brand of paste).
  3. Starting one side of your mouth, work across the outside of your upper teeth using an up-and-down or a small circular motion. Work all the way round until you reach the other side. Then do the same for your lower teeth.
  4. Next do the same for the inside of both sets of teeth.
  5. Using a forward-and-back motion, brush across the biting surface of your teeth, making sure you get right to the back ones.
  6. Finally, smile into the mirror and polish your front teeth with and up-and-down motion.
  7. It can also help to finish off by brushing your tongue as this helps remove further bacteria and freshens your breath.