Brush twice a day as thoroughly as possible Brush twice a day , once after breakfast and again before you go to bed . Some people may brush several times a day but only remove a small amount of plaque and food because of incorrect brushing techniques . The secret to good brushing is spending time doing it ( at least 2 minutes ) and covering all sides of the tooth , especially the back teeth , which are most at risk of cavity formation .
Visit your dentist regularly Regular dental check-ups will go a long way towards tracking the early signs of gum disease . Early treatment will prevent it from spreading and getting worse .
Replace your toothbrush regularly Your toothbrush may be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi . It is often moist and kept in an enclosed container that creates an environment for bacterial growth . It ’ s recommended that you change your toothbrush every three to four months and / or when you notice that the bristles are changing colour or spreading .
Use the right technique Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle and brush with small back and forth and up and down strokes . To clean behind your teeth and gums , place the bristles at a 45-degree angle again and repeat the brushing motion . Use gentle pressure to prevent gum erosion and bleeding .
Floss before brushing Food particles can get stuck in between teeth and brushing doesn ’ t clean these tight spaces effectively . Flossing will clean these hard-to-reach areas .
Rinse with mouthwash Use mouthwash after brushing your teeth . It is a great cleaner , if you rinse well it can pass through the tiniest spaces between your teeth . This gives added protection to your teeth and gums during the day .
Quit smoking The systemic harm of smoking is well documented . The oral effects of smoking include tannins that settle on the teeth causing discolouration and damage to the taste buds and salivary glands which alters the perception of taste and chewing . In addition , smoking can cause bad breath and lead to oral cancer and periodontal complications .
Minimise sugar intake Bacteria feast on sugar which results in decalcification of the enamel - the first step to the development of cavities . Avoid eating sugarladen foods like sweets , cookies , cakes , pastries , fizzy drinks and dried fruit .
Don ’ t forget to brush your tongue Brushing your tongue can help remove bacteria and prevent bad breath . Gently brush with your toothbrush or use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and prevent plaque from building up .
Drink more water Water won ’ t stain your teeth or lead to cavities . It actually helps prevent cavities by washing away sugars and acids that could linger on your teeth and cause damage and decay . Add mint to your water to freshen your breath as well .
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 1 / 2024
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