I’m often chatting to parents here at Park Dental Care who are concerned about their children’s teeth cleaning routines. Are they brushing enough? Are they flossing properly? And let’s not even mention the endless battle to reduce sugary snacks.
It’s a worry I hear a lot, and with recent news about a national toothbrushing campaign to tackle oral health across the UK, it’s clear we all need a nudge sometimes.
Here in Nottingham, we’re seeing efforts in nurseries, schools, and even care homes to get this right, and I’m all for it.
Did you know tooth decay’s the top reason children aged five to nine end up in hospital? It’s a shocking reminder that brushing well matters at every age.
It’s clear that this timeless yet simple habit remains absolutely essential for maintaining good oral health at every stage of life. Let’s dive into what’s best when it comes to cleaning your teeth.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Best?
One question I get all the time is, “Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual one?” I’m a big fan of quality electric brushes, and here’s why they get my vote:
They Clean Better: The best electric brushes have been carefully designed after years of research, so that they are brilliant at clearing plaque. They zip along faster than your hand ever could, scooping up food bits, giving your teeth a proper polish and massaging your gums.
They Make It Easy: Not sure if you’re brushing too hard or long enough? Many electric brushes have clever features like a pressure indicator light to warn you if you’re overdoing it and a timer to hit that magic two-minute mark.
Great for Everyone: They’re a godsend for folks with limited mobility – older people, or those with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Children love them too, especially the fun ones with flashing lights or music that make brushing a game. If your little one’s dodging the toothbrush, my dental therapy team can share some tricks at your next visit.
Perfect for Braces: Got braces or a bite-guard? Electric brushes make cleaning around them a breeze – way easier than wrestling with a manual one.
I’ve seen clients switch to electric and come back amazed at how much cleaner their mouth feels. It’s a small change that packs a punch.
The Perfect Brushing Technique
Getting your brushing right doesn’t have to be complicated, but there’s a knack to it. Here’s what I tell my clients to aim for:
- Angle It Right: Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums—think of it like a gentle tilt to sweep plaque away.
- Soft Circles: Use small, circular motions, and take it nice and easy. Scrubbing hard can hurt your gums, so let the brush do the work. This is one job electric brushes really do better!
- Cover Everything: Hit the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of every tooth with fluoride toothpaste. Don’t skip those back molars—they love to trap crumbs!
- Two Minutes, Every Time: Set a timer or hum a tune—30 seconds per quarter of your mouth keeps it even.
- Your Tongue needs cleaning too: A gentle brush or scrape on your tongue clears bacteria and keeps your breath fresh.
- Don’t Forget the gaps between your teeth: Flossing or using interdental brushes helps get those bits between teeth your brush can’t reach.
- Rinse Smart: If you like mouthwash, go for it to freshen your breath, but rinse separately from brushing. Don’t rinse right after brushing – let the fluoride linger for extra protection.
Got a reluctant young brusher at home? Check out our creative ideas to help make tooth cleaning fun.
Can You Overdo It When Brushing Your Teeth?
Believe it or not, you can brush too much! Going at it too hard or too often can wear down your enamel – that tough outer layer on your teeth – leaving them open to cavities or sensitivity. It can also irritate your gums, potentially leading to gum recession. I know how it is – school holidays hit, the children devour chocolate eggs, and routines slip. But sticking to a gentle, twice-a-day habit is what keeps your mouth happy.
Why It Matters
Brushing well isn’t just about dodging fillings – it’s the most important factor in avoiding gum disease and a powerful way to protect your health, save money, and feel good. I’ve seen clients transform their smiles (and their confidence) with just a few tweaks to their routine. Those national campaigns are a wake-up call – whether you’re five or ninety-five, clean teeth make a difference. And regular visits to us at Park Dental Care keep everything on track. I love helping families find simple ways to keep those young smiles healthy and bright.
If you’re in Nottingham and wondering if your brushing’s up to scratch, why not pop in?
Book a free consultation with our friendly team – I’d love to help you and your family keep those smiles shining, even if the sun isn’t!
