Top Ten Oral Hygiene Tips

1. REPLACE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH EVERY SEASON.
Toothbrushes cannot do the correct job if they look like a hairy dog. If you are replacing the toothbrush more often, are you brushing too hard?

2. USE AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
Use one that has both oscillating and pulsating actions as these toothbrushes have been shown to be much more effective. Cheap electric toothbrushes generally do not have a long life battery in them. I use an Oral B Professional electric toothbrush that has lasted 8 years with constant use and recharging.

3. BRUSH GENTLY
When using an electric toothbrush there is no need to scrub. Place the toothbrush along the gum line and let the toothbrush do the rest of the work for you. Clean your gum line efficiently and your teeth will be completed automatically!

4. USE AN EXTRA SOFT OR SOFT BRISTLED TOOTHBRUSH
This will help minimise damage to your gums and teeth. Using a medium or hard bristled toothbrush will scratch teeth and tear gums - a condition known as 'toothbrush abrasion." If excessive force is continued over a long period of time, it will result in sensitivity and the need for a filling to be placed. We recommend that you brush your mouth with a soft bristled toothbrush using small, gentle circles for two minutes twice a day. 

5. USE A TOOTHPASTE THAT CONTAINS FLUORIDE
Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in varying amounts in many foods and within our water supply. It is also used in many consumer dental products. Fluoride strengthens teeth making it more resistant to decay. It is important to use fluoride containing toothpastes, mouth rinses, and topical gels to gain the added benefit of preventing sensitivity and tooth decay.

Read the labels on toothpaste products to ensure they contain fluoride. Make sure young children (especially under the age of 6) are using a children's toothpaste - as children seem to swallow the toothpaste which is not good in large quantities. Higher dose adult toothpaste may lead to white flecks or malformations, called fluorosis, if toothpaste is swallowed by children with developing teeth.

A pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush is all you need.

6. BRUSH AFTER BREAKFAST AND DINNER
Fluoride in the toothpaste will help protect your teeth from acid attack whilst eating. After brushing your teeth at night, do not eat or drink anything other than water. At night and when sleeping, your saliva flow (a natural protectant of teeth) is reduced, so any food or sugars left in your mouth will have increased potential to cause tooth decay.

Due to lack of dexterity, children under 10 years are unable to rotate the toothbrush with a twisting motion required to clean the back molar teeth. We recommend that children under the age of 10 years should be supervised and/or assisted by a parent/guardian to ensure that they are brushing well.  

7. BRUSH ALONG THE GUM LINE
Half the bristles should be on the gums and half on the teeth. Brush in front of the mirror so you can make sure you are brushing all surfaces of your teeth effectively and that you're not missing any areas.

8. ONLY FLOSS DAILY THE TEETH YOU WANT TO KEEP
Some children need to floss from about 6 years of age, especially if they have had fillings in their baby (deciduous) teeth. Getting food out between the teeth can only be accomplished with flossing.

Generally around the age of 10 to 12 children should be starting to floss, as they are getting to the stage where they have all their adult teeth (which are characteristically closer together). It is very common to see decay in between teeth, so if you start flossing early you can prevent food and plaque stagnation in this area which causes decay.

9. ONLY USE A MOUTH RISE IF IT IS RECOMMENDED TO YOU BY YOUR DENTIST
Many mouth rinses have high alcohol content, which can be quite harsh on the gums. That is why you should only use a mouth rinse when it is advised by your dentist and only for the recommended amount of time. I have never used a mouth rinse, as I floss and brush my teeth at least twice daily. In most cases you shouldn't need a mouth rinse if you are cleaning effectively. Mouth rinses will not remove all of the plaque from teeth, so never use as a substitute for brushing. Tooth brushing is the only effective method of removing plaque.

10. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Queensland is a wonderful place filled with warm weather, and people with an enthusiasm for sports and the great outdoors. Sporting activities and the intense humidity results in Queenslanders often becoming thoroughly dehydrated. Hydrate yourself, especially before any sporting activity (including swimming) to increase saliva - your tooth's natural protective coating