Do you pay as much attention to dental hygiene as you should? Studies show that a large proportion of people only brush once a day and that many people miss out teeth when they’re brushing. Good dental hygiene can save you from decay and gum disease, so it’s really important to understand the importance of getting your oral hygiene regime right. Here are some simple tips to help you brush better:

Set a timer: so many people are guilty of doing an incomplete job when they brush their teeth and this is often due to not spending enough time brushing. If you don’t have a brush with an inbuilt timer, use a clock on your phone or brush along to a song. It’s really important to brush for at least 2 minutes.

Brush twice a day: research suggests that up to a third of people only brush once a day. If you leave your teeth for hours on end, there’s an elevated risk of decay and gum disease. When you brush, you remove bacteria and food debris before they can combine with saliva to form plaque. Plaque is the main cause of cavities and gum disease. Ideally, you should brush every morning and every evening. Try and wait at least 45 minutes after eating to clean your teeth to protect the enamel.

Use fluoride toothpaste: fluoride is a mineral that has proven oral health benefits. Using fluoride toothpaste can help to strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of cavities forming.

Book a hygiene appointment: even if you have healthy, strong, cavity-free teeth, you can still benefit from seeing a dental hygienist once a year. Hygienists have advanced training in providing intensive cleaning treatments, which blitz plaque and tartar and give your smile a lovely healthy glow.

Clean between your teeth: brushing is brilliant, but it’s impossible to cover the entire mouth with a toothbrush. You can’t fit a brush head between your teeth, and this is why it’s beneficial to use floss or inter-dental brushes to clean the gaps between the teeth.

If you need any advice about oral hygiene, we will be more than happy to help!