Why healthy eating matters
Dental plaque is a soft, sticky substance made mostly of bacteria, which feed on sugar and produce acids. The acids dissolve minerals in the tooth surface, the enamel changes colour, and decay forms a hole in the tooth.
Acids in food and drink also wear away the tooth surface. All fizzy drinks (including diet brands and fizzy water), squashes and fruit juices are acidic; pure fruit juice is the most acidic. Enjoy fizzy drinks at mealtimes and avoid sipping them through the day.
- Between meals, milk and water are recommended, as are tea and coffee.
- If you snack, choose "safe" low-sugar snacks: fruit, vegetables, sandwiches, toast, crumpets, pitta bread and cheese.
- Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva, which reduces acidity.
- Reduce how often you have sugary food and drinks between meals.
Tooth brushing
Your toothbrush is more important than your toothpaste: it is the physical removal of plaque that matters. Brush slowly, gently and thoroughly.
- Use a medium-sized head with medium bristles, twice a day.
- Point the bristles at 45 degrees to where the teeth meet the gums, and use short circular or small scrubbing movements.
- Brush all round every tooth, making sure you can feel the brush on your gums. Don't use too much force.
- Spit out the toothpaste afterwards, but do not rinse: rinsing lessens the effect of the fluoride.
- Replace the brush when the bristles flare.
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, keep going. It will generally improve day by day and stop within about six weeks. If you are unsure, visit a dentist for reassurance.
Flossing
Toothbrush bristles never reach between the teeth; floss, interdental brushes and similar tools do. Ask us for a demonstration, but generally:
- Take about 45 cm (18 inches) of floss and wrap the ends around your middle fingers, leaving 5 to 7 cm between them.
- Grip near the middle with forefingers and thumbs and slide the floss between two teeth without snapping it onto the gum.
- Curve it into a "C" shape around the tooth and move it up and down several times.
- Pull it out, wind on a fresh section, and repeat for each tooth.
Cleaning around a brace
Brackets, wires and elastics trap food and let plaque grow. Brush more often, for longer and more thoroughly than before your brace, and ask the team about tools for hard-to-reach areas. If any part of your brace is damaged, contact the clinic as soon as possible.
Visit the dentist
An examination shows how healthy your mouth is, and lets you and your dentist plan the best way to deal with any problems. Read about examinations.
Prevention is better than the cure. Toothpastes, flossing and mouthwash have a role in keeping mouth bacteria controlled, but it is your toothbrush that is key. Use it well, use it regularly, even if you don't have toothpaste to hand, and get a new one before the bristles flare like a palm tree.