Everyone knows that it is important to look after your teeth. But how do you do the best job you can? Here are some frequently asked questions about teeth care:
Brushing my teeth
You should brush your teeth twice a day.
Your toothbrush should have soft bristles. If the bristles are too hard, they will scratch your gums and cause them to bleed.
The head of the toothbrush should be small enough to reach all the areas of your mouth, especially at the back. Therefore, the toothbrush head should not be too large.
You should ideally either brush your teeth just before eating, or wait at least an hour after a meal before brushing. This is in order to prevent tooth erosion.
How does tooth erosion work?
Many foods contain acids, especially fizzy drinks (including fizzy water) and fruit juice. When you eat or drink these foods, your teeth are exposed to this acid which then slightly softens the tooth enamel. Therefore, it’s best not to brush immediately after eating since the tooth enamel will be the softest at this time. Rather wait an hour before brushing.
1. Brushing my teeth
How often should I brush my teeth?
Should you brush before a meal or after a meal or both?
What’s the best type of toothbrush to use?
What’s the difference between using an electric toothbrush and a normal (manual) toothbrush? Which one should I use?
At what age should my children start brushing their teeth?
Should I brush my baby’s teeth?
2. Flossing my teeth
What does it mean to floss my teeth?
When should I floss my teeth?
Should I floss my teeth before brushing or after brushing?
What’s the difference between waxed floss and non-waxed floss? Which is better to use?
What is floss tape?
What does it mean if my gums bleed when I floss?
At what age should children start flossing their teeth?