Experts explain the right way to clean your teeth to keep them strong and healthy
The World Dental Federation tells us that 2.3 billion people worldwide suffer from dental caries. “One of the most important reasons for this is that we don’t clean our teeth properly. This can lead to the formation of a sticky layer called plaque in which bacteria called Streptococcus mutans multiply. It produces an acid that demineralizes our teeth, which in turn leads to tooth decay, gum problems and eventually tooth loss,” explains Dr K Abhirami.
When should we brush our teeth?
We should brush our teeth twice a day: in the morning when we wake up and at night before we sleep. “As the natural cleansing action that occurs on our teeth is minimal at night, it is important to clean and remove any residual food particles from our teeth before we go to bed. Make sure you don’t eat anything after that. Also, brush your teeth in the morning to clean out any of the bacteria that builds up overnight,” says Dr Matthew Baby.
The process
While children can use brushes specially designed for their age, adults can choose a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles. The brush should be replaced once every three months. For toothpaste, any brand that contains fluoride can be used. “It protects the teeth from cavities and the optimal level of fluoride is between 1,350 ppm and 1,500 ppm,” explains Dr. Abhirami. Brush for two minutes with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. The angle of the bristles should be such that it reaches the gum line. “Brush with a small circular motion like a massage and cover the entire surface of your teeth. Don’t be too harsh. Also, avoid a horizontal motion as it can be abrasive,” explains Dr Mathew.
Air dry the brush after each use and store each one separately, or, “It can cause bacteria transfer,” says Dr. Abhirami. She also recommends flossing and mouthwash once a day. “Flossing helps clean between the teeth. Do not use anything else such as toothpicks or pins to clean these areas. Also, most of the commercially available mouthwashes tend to be strong and cause a mild burning sensation. To avoid this, dilute it with water at a ratio of 1:1 before use,” he adds.
For children
Teeth cleaning should begin as soon as the first teeth appear, usually when a child is about six months old. One can start by wiping the teeth with a damp washcloth or a soft silicone brush. As your child is around one, introduce a small-sized, soft-bristled brush. Dr Gopika Sharma, consultant pediatric dentist and preventive dentist at Phoenix Hospital in New Delhi, explains, “Initially just wet it to make it soft before using it. Later, insert a grain size amount of fluoride toothpaste. After brushing, keep rinsing to a minimum to benefit from the fluoride in the paste. After the age of three, toothpaste can be the size of a pea.”
