Electric or manual toothbrush, and do I need mouthwash?
Electric or manual?
| Electric toothbrush | Manual toothbrush |
|---|---|
| Easier to brush thoroughly with less effort | Works just as well with good technique |
| Timers help you brush for two minutes; pressure sensors warn if you press too hard | Low cost and easy to travel with |
| Helpful with braces, arthritis or limited dexterity | Choose a soft or medium-soft brush with a small head |
The best brush is the one you use well, twice a day. Replace the brush or brush head every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay.
How to brush
- Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
- Angle the bristles towards the gum line and use small, gentle movements; with an electric brush, simply guide it slowly tooth by tooth.
- Clean the outer, inner and biting surfaces of every tooth, for two minutes in total.
- Spit out the toothpaste and rinse your mouth.
- Brush last thing at night and one other time in the day.
Cleaning between the teeth
A toothbrush cannot reach between teeth, where decay and gum disease often start. Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes. Interdental brushes suit wider gaps and are easier for many people; floss suits tight contacts. Your dentist or hygienist can show you which sizes to use.
Do I need mouthwash?
- Not essential if you brush and clean between your teeth well.
- A fluoride mouthwash can help people at high risk of decay by increasing the frequency of fluoride exposure.
- An antiseptic mouthwash may be advised for a short time, for example after gum treatment or surgery. Some can stain teeth with long-term use, so use it only as advised.
- If you have a dry mouth, use a moisturising mouthwash formulated for dry mouth, such as Oral7 or Biotène.
Other tips
- Wait about an hour after acidic food or drink before brushing.
- Cut down how often you have sugary snacks and drinks; frequency matters more than amount.
- Have a check-up and scaling every 6 to 12 months. See check-up costs.
Frequently asked questions
Is an electric toothbrush worth it?
For many people, yes, because it makes thorough brushing easier. But a manual brush used well for two minutes twice a day is effective too.
Should I rinse after brushing?
Yes. You should always remove residual toothpaste from your mouth. Some toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulphate, which can irritate the lining of the mouth in some people. In young children, regularly swallowing toothpaste that contains fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis.
Floss or interdental brushes: which is better?
Both work. Interdental brushes are often easier and more effective where there is space between teeth; floss suits tight gaps. Use whichever you will use every day.
How often should I change my toothbrush?
Every three months, or sooner if the bristles are splayed, and after an illness if you prefer.
Questions about your teeth?
Book a check-up. You will hear what we find, the options and the fee before anything is done.