Keeping your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Electric (not battery) toothbrushes are slightly better than normal toothbrushes.

Good electric brushes have a small round head, for example the Braun Professional Care 2000® or the Philips Sonic® small headed brush.

A manual toothbrush should have a small head and medium bristles.

• Point the brush towards the gum and apply light pressure so the bristles go under the gum margins
• Try to brush in the same order every time, outside, inside and finally the biting surfaces of your teeth
• Avoid pressing too hard or scrubbing at your gums
• Brushing should take at least three minutes, and should be performed at least twice a day, in the morning and last thing at night
• Also brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh
• Change your toothbrush regularly, approximately every three months.

• We recommend dental tape to clean between your teeth and under your gums
• It should be used daily.

How should I use it?

• Wind the tape loosely around the middle fingers of both hands so you have a length of between 20-30mm
• Pull the tape taught and guide the tape between your teeth
• Work the tape down gently, using a side to side motion with your fingers
• Take care not to hurt your gum
• Work around your mouth in an ordered way to cover all the areas between all your teeth.

• Sometimes these can be used as an alternative to dental tape
• Use the size recommended by your dentist or hygienist.

How do I use them?

• Gently push the brush between your teeth, working the brush to clean the area thoroughly
• Work around your mouth in an ordered way
• Do not use force as you may damage your gums.

• A fluoride daily mouthwash (0.05% sodium fluoride) helps prevent tooth decay
• Should be used at a different time to cleaning your teeth.

How do I use it?

• Rinse the mouthwash around your mouth, making sure all surfaces have been well covered for at least one minute, then spit the mouthwash out
• Do not rinse your mouth out after with water.