A clean and well-groomed set of teeth: this is how you achieve it
Do you want a radiant smile? This is not only determined by the whiteness of your teeth, but certainly also by the health of your dentition! Healthy teeth and gums are very important for your overall appearance. Want to know how to best maintain your dentition? We explain it in this article.
‘In the morning: before or after breakfast?
If all goes well, this is not new information for you: in the morning you brush your teeth for the first time. But do you do this before or after breakfast? Opinions differ slightly on this, even among dentists.
In general, it is said that you should brush before breakfast. Toothpaste often contains fluoride, a mineral that strengthens your tooth enamel. By brushing first, you protect your teeth from bacteria and food residues. It is best to wait half an hour to an hour before having breakfast afterwards.
The other camp argues that brushing your teeth is pointless if you are going to eat afterwards, because then you leave the house with unclean teeth for your first appointment. Whichever you choose, it is important that the eating and brushing moments are not too close together! If you brush after eating, you are brushing the food residues ‘into’ your enamel, some say. Therefore, it is better to always leave some time in between.
‘In the evening: going to bed with a fresh mouth
Besides the morning, the evening is also an important brushing moment. Brushing twice a day is the norm: this is the minimum amount you should brush for a healthy dentition.
In the evening, you may have a bit more time for brushing, as you are going to bed afterwards. Try to take that time as well. After a whole day of eating and drinking, it is important that you go to sleep with clean teeth. Especially since you produce almost no saliva at night, which protects your dentition from bacteria. Saliva helps wash away food residues and neutralizes the acids in your mouth.
This is how you keep your dentition healthy
You now know how often and when you should brush your teeth. Additionally, the way you brush and care for your teeth is also important.
2-minute rule
While brushing, you want to remove plaque, protect the enamel, and care for your gums. Quite a lot! To do this well and carefully, you need to brush for at least 2 minutes. Do you find that difficult? For example, set a timer, or listen to your favorite song until it’s over.
Hand or electric toothbrush
You can brush with an electric or a manual toothbrush. A electric toothbrush is generally a bit easier, as you don't have to make brushing or pressure movements with it.
A manual toothbrush also works fine, but you have to put in a bit more effort than with electric brushing. In any case, always make sure to angle the bristles against the gum line.
Tongue scraper
The last thing you want is a white tongue. Throughout the day, a lot of food residues and bacteria remain on your tongue. If you don't clean your tongue properly, these bacteria will eventually end up on your teeth, which can lead to extra tartar. Therefore, get a tongue scraper that you use to clean your tongue at least once a day.
Preferably, buy a metal or stainless steel tongue scraper: this material lasts a long time and is the most hygienic.
Brush with love
You might think that your teeth are cleaner the harder you brush. But the opposite is true: brushing hard can actually damage your enamel or gums.
How do you ensure that you brush with love and attention? Hold your toothbrush with three fingers, so you are sure not to apply too much pressure!
A radiant smile
For a healthy and beautiful dentition, you should brush your teeth preferably twice a day, for two minutes with the right toothpaste. Of course, other care is never superfluous, such as using toothpicks and a tongue scraper. This way, you go through life with healthy and fresh teeth!
