Good Oral Hygiene - Your brushing technique

Your teeth are supposed to last a lifetime, but cavities and gum disease often shorten their lifespan. The key to teeth that last is correct brushing and flossing on a daily basis.

Here, prevention really is better than cure. However, while we all probably brush our teeth at least once daily, and floss occasionally, the question is whether or not we are brushing correctly and effectively.

A good brushing technique is vital if you are going to get into all the nooks and crannies between tooth and gum.

So, here is a basic guideline, hold the toothbrush in a comfortable grip and place the head at about 45 degrees to the surface of your teeth, this allows the bristles to get into the space between the gum and teeth.

Starting at one side of your mouth, systematically brush first the outside of your upper and lower teeth, moving from one side of your mouth to the back of the other side.

Then do the same for the inside of all the teeth, working from one side to the other, and repeat for the chewing surface.

Finally, wipe your tongue with two or three strokes from back to front, and use your tongue to test whether or not your teeth feel smooth and clean. If not, return to whichever areas need attention, and brush them again.

In the absence of fluoridated water, it is essential to use a toothpaste containing fluoride.

Note that, unlike adults, if children ingest too much fluoride, it can discolor their teeth, so you need to find a good balance.

Fluoride strengthens their teeth in two ways, either from the inside, where it is systemically absorbed, or by direct application to the surfaces of teeth to make them more resistant to decay.

The latter is what you are doing when you brush your teeth.