Toothbrushing

Why should I brush?

Daily brushing and cleaning inbetween your teeth is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn’t removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the food debris left behind and causing tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.

How can plaque cause decay?

When you eat food containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack the tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with teeth. After this happens again and again, the tooth enamel can break down forming a hole or cavity.

How can plaque cause gum disease?

If plaque is left to harden into calculus, the plaque bacteria underneath releases poisons causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and the pockets become infected. If gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed and healthy teeth may be lost. Gum disease is the biggest cause of tooth loss in adults.

How should I brush?

Brushing removes plaque and food debris from all surfaces of your teeth.

• Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth and angle against the gumline. Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of each individual tooth.

• Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gumline.
• Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.
• Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the toe (the front part) of the brush.
• Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath and will clean your mouth by removing bacteria.

How often should I brush my teeth?

It is recommended to brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, more often if Graeme recommends it. If you get discomfort or bleeding when brushing you should see Graeme for advice and possible treatment. Bleeding or painful gums should not be ignored.

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