Having beautiful teeth is a subject that preoccupies the majority of Swiss people. A bright smile is a sign of good health and a major aesthetic asset in today's society. To take care of your teeth, dentists in Lausanne and Fribourg recommend that you adopt certain habits on a daily basis. HELVIDENT reminds you of the best practices for maintaining healthy teeth.
Choosing the right toothbrush
According to the Swiss Society of Dentists SSOThose with no particular oral problems should use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Some people tend to believe that the harder the bristles, the more effective they are at cleaning teeth. This belief is erroneous, as the enamel covering the teeth and gums are sensitive materials. Consequently, a toothbrush with hard bristles is likely to cause damage, including tooth sensitivity and gum bleeding. Replace your toothbrush at least every three months, or as soon as the bristles become worn or bent. It's a question of hygiene and efficiency.
Please note: in the case of gum disease or other pathologies, it is advisable to use an ultra-soft brush to avoid pain. We recommend that you ask your dentist for advice.
Should I choose a manual, electric or sonic toothbrushes ? There's more to effective brushing than price. It's all a question of brushing technique.
Learn the proper technique for brushing your teeth
We advise you to brush your teeth in front of a mirror to better master the brushing technique. Follow the same order each time to make sure you don't forget any area of your mouth. It's best to brush the top of the jaw separately, then the bottom, without forgetting the insides.
Also, avoid lateral movements. Instead, roll the brush in a circular motion from gum to tooth. Ideally, the brush should form a 45-degree angle with the tooth surface. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, which can irritate your gums. Visit electric toothbrushes are a good alternative to manual toothbrushes for achieving the ideal rotation.
If in doubt, you can use a plaque remover which color-codes poorly brushed areas. This allows you to visualize plaque residues to make sure you've cleaned all your teeth properly. This tool, for occasional use only, is also suitable for children.
Brush your teeth sufficiently and at the right frequency
According to the World Health Organization, you should brush your teeth twice a day (morning and evening) for at least two minutes. This is a daily gesture of hygiene and health. In fact, most Swiss people spend less than a minute brushing their teeth. Moreover, the latest studies show a link between poor oral health and an increased risk of pathologies, notably cardiovascular. So get into the habit of timing your brushing time. Some electric toothbrushes even have an audible alarm. On the other hand, you shouldn't brush your teeth more than three times a day, to avoid premature enamel wear and gum damage. Contrary to popular belief, brushing the tongue is not a good idea: it can cause local inflammation and upset the oral microbiota by promoting bad breath.
Don't forget interdental cleaning
Dental floss is an effective way of removing food residues trapped between teeth. The bristles of a toothbrush are generally unable to reach these interstices. Simply cut 30 to 40 centimetres of dental floss and pass it gently between each tooth to avoid injuring the gums. This can be done at least once a day. Dental floss holders are also available for easy handling. There are other oral hygiene accessories to complement tooth brushing. These include interdental sticks or brushes, which are particularly useful when you have dentures or loose teeth. They allow you to clean small spaces that are inaccessible with a brush. There are also water jets or pulsators that remove food waste by means of pressure.
Note: it's best to avoid antiseptic mouthwashes containing alcohol, chlorhexidine or hexetidine, which should not be used daily and are reserved for the treatment of an infection.
See a dentist at least once a year
It's a good idea to see a dentist every year, even if you don't have any particular symptoms, starting as early as one year of age. This habit allows you to check that your teeth are developing properly, and to detect the formation of cavities or gum disease. It's also an opportunity to have your teeth checked for any signs of decay or gum disease. teeth scaling to dislodge calcified plaque.
The three HELVIDENT dental clinics are home to all oral health professionals. We welcome you in Lausanne, Fribourg and Aigle. Don't hesitate to contact us to make an appointment.
