Dental health and hygiene is no joke! The amount of time we invest in our skincare, hair or personal grooming should be equally crucial when it comes to our pearly whites… that is if you take good care of them to even be worthy of calling them pearly whites.
Here are some answers from National Health Service UK (NHS) to the most frequently asked questions on dental health.
1. When and how often should you brush your teeth?
Every day, of course! Just like how we eat and drink every day, brushing your teeth daily is a definite must. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. This does not only help keep your teeth clean but also your mouth.
By failing to do so, there would be a formation of plaque. Plaque is a common film of bacteria that coats your teeth which may gradually lead you to gum disease and tooth decay.
So be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly and don’t forget your tongue too!
2. Electric vs. Manual Toothbrush: Which is better?
It honestly makes no difference. They are both good and effective. Whether your toothbrush is manual or electric, it is up to one’s own preference. The main goal is to ensure that every inch of your teeth is brushed.
3. What type of toothpaste is the best to use?
What makes a toothpaste good and effective is by ensuring it has the right concentration of fluoride. Make it a habit to find out how much of fluoride is in every brand of toothpaste by checking the packaging. The amount of fluoride needed differs for everybody.
- Adults: At least 1,350 parts per million (ppm) fluoride.
- Children: There is no need for special toothpaste for children. At least 1,350 to 1,500 (ppm) fluoride will do. However, children who are aged 6 and under who don’t have any form of tooth decay can actually use a lower-strength children’s toothpaste, but make sure it contains at least 1,000ppm fluoride. Children under the age of 3 should use just a smear of toothpaste.
It is also advisable for children to only use a pea-sized blob of toothpaste. Always pay close attention to ensure they do not eat or lick toothpaste from the tube.
4. What’s the right way to brush your teeth?
When brushing your teeth, always ensure every surface of your teeth and mouth is brushed. Spend some time brushing inside surfaces, outside surfaces as well as the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Also, don’t rinse with water immediately after brushing your teeth as it will wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste.
Do take note that children under the age of 7 years old do need help and supervision when brushing their teeth.
5. Is mouthwash effective?
Yes. Mouthwash helps with maintaining dental hygiene and health. Mouthwash that contains fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay.
However, never use mouthwash immediately after brushing your teeth – even if it contains fluoride. This may eliminate the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste that is left on your teeth.
Instead, use mouthwash at a different time, such as after your lunch or dinner.
It is advisable to not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash.
6. How to use dental floss?
Dental floss has loads of benefits when it comes to dental health. According to BBC, many dentists say that by flossing the right way, not only does it help with removing food that’s stuck in between your teeth but it also removes plaque build-up, reduces the risk of gingivitis, gum disease, and tooth decay. Not to mention it also helps to prevent bad breath.
The best time to floss would be before brushing your teeth. And here is how you should floss.
- Take roughly about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45cm) of floss and grasp it so you can have a couple of inches of floss taut between your hands.
- Slip the floss between the teeth and into the area between your teeth and gums, as far as it’ll go. Try your best to be as gentle as possible to ensure you do not injure your gums.
- Floss between 8 to 10 strokes, up and down between each tooth, to dislodge food and plaque.
Never take your dental health and hygiene for granted. How else are you going to endeavour all the good food? Be sure to give your pearly whites some TLC ever so often.
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