We all know that brushing your teeth is good for them, but do you know why?

Brushing your teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day prevents plaque building up on your teeth. Plaque is a film of bacteria that can coat your teeth and is a major cause of gum disease, tooth decay and cavities. Regular brushing and flossing also helps to prevent bad breath.

What toothpaste should I use?

Last month we highlighted that your choice of toothbrush is important but so is a good toothpaste. Most of the leading brands offer a range of toothpastes and we recommend that you read the packaging and choose one with the right concentration of fluoride. For adults that would be at least 1,350ppm fluoride. Specially formulated toothpastes in a range of child-friendly flavourss are also widely available, just make sure you use one that is appropriate to your child’s age. In some cases your dentist will recommend a higher concentration if they think you need it.

What is the best way to brush teeth?

Make sure you brush all the surfaces of all your teeth using small circular movements. After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste but don't rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash. Children up to the age of at least 7 should be supervised when brushing. A pea size amount of toothpaste is sufficient for children aged 3-6 with just a smear of toothpaste for the under 3s.

Should I use mouthwash?

In addition to your toothbrushing regime, using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help avoid tooth decay. For maximum effectiveness do this at a different time from brushing, such as after lunch and don't eat or drink for 30 minutes afterwards. In general we don’t recommend mouthwash for children under the age of 12.

Where can I get more advice and tips?

If you have any queries regarding oral health or tooth brushing specifically don't hesitate to visit us at Kilbarchan Dental Practice, call us on 01505 704969 or click www.kilbarchandental.co.uk where you’ll find lots more free tips and advice.