Effective Toothbrushing

We all want to have healthy teeth, fresh breath and nice smiles. Gum disease and tooth decay are the two most common oral diseases worldwide. Recent studies have identified links between gum disease and general health such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease and so it has never been more important to look after your teeth. Effective daily oral hygiene is an essential part of your general health and well-being.

Toothbrushing
Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is very effective in preventing dental decay. There is evidence to show that brushing twice a day improves its effectiveness. Regular toothbrushing removes plaque, which causes gum disease. Evidence supports the use of fluoride toothpaste. It is recommended to use a toothpaste with at least 1,000 ppm F (parts per million Fluoride). Fluoride from the toothpaste can also prevent and even reverse decay in its early stages.

Effective Toothbrushing Routine
1. A gentle scrub technique involving very short sideways movements is recommended
2. Spit out toothpaste and do not rinse after brushing
3. Twice a day - at bedtime and in the morning (or at one other time during the day)

Children
1. Parents and carers of children aged 0-2 are encouraged to brush their child's teeth as soon as the first tooth appears, using a soft toothbrush and water only.
2. It is not recommended to use fluoride toothpaste for children aged 0-2 years.
3. From age 2-7 years use a small pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1,000 ppm F (parts per million Fluoride)
4. Children under the age of 7 should be supervised by an adult when brushing and should be encouraged to spit and not rinse after brushing so that the effects of fluoride toothpaste are not diluted.
5. Brush twice a day - at bedtime and at one other time during the day

Research shows if a child has dental decay at a young age that they are likely to have dental decay as an adult. We all want to have healthy teeth and nice smiles as adults and this starts with taking care of children's teeth from a young age.

The health benefits of good oral health are immense; getting children actively involved in looking after their oral health from an early age improves both their oral and general health as adults.