Everything you need to know about oral hygiene

Brush up on your gear

The type of brush you use – electric or hand-held, plastic or environmentally-friendly bamboo – is less important than the shape, size and softness of the bristled head, how you use it, and how often. "A small, soft head is best, as medium and firm bristles may damage tooth enamel and gums over time," says Durban dental hygienist Kesh Naicker.

Electric brushes can be easier for children and for people with disabilities or conditions like arthritis that make it hard to brush well. The rapid movement of the bristles may also help remove more food and plaque from teeth and gums. In a review of studies, electric toothbrushes generally performed better than manual in fighting plaque and gingivitis, and rotating brushes seem more effective than those that just vibrate.

Brush twice a day, especially last thing at night, to get rid of germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day, says Naicker. Brushing more often may damage your tooth enamel and gums. Rather have a glass of water after meals and snacks, and swish a mouthful around – especially if you had something sugary or acidic (fruit, tomatoes) that can damage teeth, or something that may stain them (coffee, tea, colas, wine).

Polish your technique

Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle, and if it’s a manual brush, use small, circular movements and exert only gentle pressure, Naicker says. If you get in the habit of following the same pattern each time, you won’t miss spots. For instance, you could start with the upper right side at the back, move to the upper left side, then do the front of those teeth. Repeat for the lower teeth, again doing both back and front. Pay special attention to the hard-to-reach places behind the back teeth.  

Finish by gently brushing your tongue – plaque can build up there, leading to mouth odour and other oral health problems. Rinse your mouth well, then also rinse the brush thoroughly to remove any food particles, paste and plaque debris. Store the brush upright and allow it to air dry. Be sure to change your brush or brush head every three months, or as soon as the bristles start to fray and splay.

Get flossing 

Flossing is essential to get rid of tiny pieces of food that may be stuck between teeth, stimulate your gums, reduce plaque, and reduce inflammation. Once a day is all you need, at night, not in the morning, says Naicker. If you battle with spools of floss, try ready-to-use flossers. 

“Water flossers are a great adjunct to brushing and flossing, especially for those who have crowns, bridges or implants, but they’re also great for normal dentition,” she says.

Some dentists advise using mouth wash or rinse to kill more mouth bacteria, help reduce acid in your mouth, clean hard-to-reach areas and even remineralise teeth, especially for older people who may be unable to brush and floss well. Ask your dentist’s advice. 

Also ask about chewing sugarless gum. The American Dental Association reports research that shows chewing some for 20 minutes after meals can help prevent tooth decay. The chewing increases saliva in your mouth, helping neutralise and wash away cavity-causing acids and bacteria. 

Don’t pass on the paste

Brushing teeth without paste is like bathing without soap. Today there’s a dizzying range to choose from, and most will do the job provided they have the one essential: fluoride. A recent review found brushing and flossing don’t prevent cavities if you don’t use fluoride. It fights the germs that cause decay and provides a protective layer on your teeth. 

Beyond that, the choice of paste is largely a matter of personal taste and affordability. Ask your dentist or oral hygienist for advice.  

Consider whitening

Teeth lose whiteness when you age, as wear and tear thins their outer layer of enamel, and food, drink and especially smoking stain it, Naicker says. Whitening toothpastes have mild abrasives or chemicals that may help remove surface stains, but they won’t change your natural tooth colour. 

To do that, today there are many options, most containing peroxide bleach that penetrates the enamel to lighten the dentine (inner tooth tissue). There are trays you can fill with gel and wear, gel strips you can apply to teeth, and gel pens you can use to paint them. Use them only as directed.

Professional whitening costs more, but the trays are made from moulds of your teeth, says Naicker, and your dentist will ensure you’re a suitable candidate and select a bleach concentrate based on the relative yellowness of your teeth, your age and sensitivity. The result can last for two years, and you can reuse the trays. Something to smile about!

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