Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

For how long do I need to brush my teeth?

To clean your teeth thoroughly, the inside, outside and chewing surface of each tooth needs to be brushed. This takes around 2-3 minutes.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

Is an electric toothbrush necessary to clean teeth well?

An electric toothbrush can help make it easier to clean teeth well, but with correct technique a standard toothbrush can also do a good job.

If I brush and floss my teeth regularly, do I still need to see the dentist?

Even if you brush and floss regularly, you still need to see a dentist for regular check-ups. Not only can your dentist check for decay and other oral health conditions, they remove tartar, a hardened form of …

Why do I need to brush my teeth?

Over time, dental plaque, a soft deposit that contains bacteria, tends to develop on the surfaces of teeth. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

How often do I need to brush my teeth?

For good oral health, it is important to brush your teeth 2-3 times a day. More frequent brushing may not be beneficial, as it may wear down your tooth enamel.

What is flossing?

Flossing is cleaning the surfaces between the teeth by passing thread-like 'floss' between the teeth in a sawing motion.

Do I need to floss?

Flossing regularly helps to remove dental plaque that may form between teeth and prevent tooth decay and gum damage. Brushing cannot effectively reach these areas.

How often do I need to floss?

For good oral health, it is important to floss your teeth every day.

Is a hard or soft toothbrush better for my teeth?

A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head is recommended. This helps to prevent premature wear of the enamel of the teeth.

Do I need to rinse my mouth after brushing my teeth?

It is not necessary to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth and spitting out the toothpaste. Leaving a small amount of toothpaste on your teeth can help to protect them from decay.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Oral hygiene

Clean and healthy teeth and gums are essential for good oral health. Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Together with regular dental check-ups and a healthy, balanced diet, your teeth can and should last a lifetime.…
Diseases & conditions

Tooth decay

Clean and healthy teeth and gums are essential for good oral health. Regular brushing and flossing can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. Together with regular dental check-ups and a healthy, balanced diet, your teeth can and should last a lifetime.…
Diseases & conditions

Dentures

Missing teeth often cause difficulties with chewing and speaking and can affect the appearance of your smile. For this reason, many people choose to replace their missing teeth with dentures, or ‘false teeth’, which are custom-made to fit your mouth.…
Diseases & conditions

Cosmetic dentistry

There are many reasons why a person may want to improve the appearance of their smile, such as having missing, stained or damaged teeth. Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a range of options to make teeth look more attractive, including whitening, repair and replacement.…
Diseases & conditions

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening, or bleaching, is a common procedure in dentistry that has been practised for many years. While there is a wide range of whitening methods available, such as home whitening, laser whitening and an even wider range of whitening products, not every method is suitable, or effective, for everyone.…
Diseases & conditions

Dental implants

Dental implants are commonly used by dentists to treat missing teeth. They are a more permanent solution than dentures. Follow how dental implants are inserted and listen about how to maintain them.…

About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 07 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 17 Oct 2018
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Votes: 624 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Oral hygiene

×

Content goes in here.