Healthy teeth help to create a beautiful smile and keeping our teeth in tiptop condition need neither be expensive nor time-consuming.
Brushing our teeth for two minutes, twice a day removes the build up of bacteria that is the source of tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping our teeth healthy really is that simple, so do we really need any of the expensive dental products that are available?
Toothbrushes: electric or manual?
A recent report* suggests that electric toothbrushes are slightly more effective at cleaning our teeth. However, we suggest that using a good brushing technique, ensuring that every surface of every tooth is thoroughly cleaned is far more important than which type of toothbrush you use. Even very basic manual toothbrushes, with soft or medium bristles, will help you to achieve excellent results.
Remember to replace your toothbrush regularly and to brush for exactly two minutes, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Over-brushing can lead to erosion of the tooth enamel and under-brushing will leave traces of plaque on the teeth.
Toothpaste: which to choose?
With an ever-increasing range of options to choose from, promising fresher breath or whiter teeth, it can be difficult to know which the best choice is. Our tip is to check the ingredients and to choose fluoride toothpaste with at least a 1,450ppmF concentration – anything less than this offers almost no protection against decay.
Although it may feel counter-intuitive, don’t rinse your mouth after brushing because this dilutes the protective film that toothpaste leaves on your teeth.
Mouthwash: is it important?
Mouthwashes that contain fluoride can help to protect your teeth, but following on from our above point about rinsing, if you do choose to use one, don’t use it straight after brushing and don’t eat or drink for 30 minutes after using it.
Dental floss: what does it do?
Aside from removing food that is stuck between your teeth, using dental floss regularly will help to reduce the chances of gum disease and bad breath. This is because it removes the plaque that builds-up along the gum. We suggest flossing every day, just before brushing your teeth.
So how much does looking after our teeth really cost? The Bosham Clinic Dental Hygienist researched several well-known retailers and found that she could buy good quality dental products, that will last an adult for over six weeks, for a total of £3.15:
Toothbrush – £1.15
Fluoride toothpaste – £1.00
Dental floss – £1.00
When money is short, we often choose to cut dental products from our shopping lists. This is a decision that will cost more money in the medium to long term because it will lead to serious dental problems that could need expensive treatment. So rather than cut products out, why not look for more value from the dental products that you buy and keep your teeth in top condition for less?
At the Bosham Clinic, our team of dental staff is trained to help our patients to maintain a healthy dental regime. If you would like to book a dental check-up or if you have any other dental requirements, please book an appointment with us via email at info@boshamclinicdental.co.uk or call us on 01243 778888
*Cochrane Report of 2018
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