Oral hygiene is the cornerstone for good oral health; a good daily oral hygiene routine will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce the risk of bad breath, dental decay and gum disease.

How often should I brush my teeth?

You should brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Always ensure that you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes; if you struggle to brush for long enough, try using a brush with a timer or brushing along to a song, as most are between 2 and 3 minutes long.

How should I brush my teeth?

You need to make sure that you cover your whole mouth when you brush your teeth; spend 30 seconds on each quadrant and brush all the surfaces of each tooth. Run your brush along the gum line with the head at an angle and avoid brushing too hard as this can damage the tooth enamel. Reach into the corners of your mouth and try to get to the very back teeth; it is best to use a brush with a small head.

Use fluoride toothpaste when you brush your teeth; fluoride is a mineral, which helps to strengthen the teeth and reduce the risk of decay.

Flossing

Flossing is very important because it helps to remove plaque and food debris from areas that you may miss when you brush, such as the gum line and the gaps between your teeth. Try to floss regularly; if you don’t know how to floss, we will happily give you some advice and show you how to do it. If you are not used to flossing, you may find that your gums bleed the first couple of times; however, if you continue to experience bleeding with you floss or you notice blood when you brush, see your dentist.

Should I use mouthwash?

Mouthwash can be beneficial, especially if you are prone to bad breath. Try to choose products that are alcohol-free and make sure you use mouthwash in addition to brushing, rather than instead of brushing.

In addition to a good daily oral hygiene regime, it is also important to see your  London dentist for regular check-ups.