Tips on how to keep the dentist away

What’s the best way to get good teeth? Brush twice a day, of course. Everyone knows it. Few, however, know how to do it for best results. We spoke to dentists to get a few more exhaustive pointers on oral hygiene.

Cleaning
Brushing is one of the most effective ways of removing plaque from the exposed surfaces of your teeth. A sticky, yellow layer, interspersed with food particles and bacteria, plaque is one of the most prominent causes for dental problems. Says Dr Neeraj Verma, senior consultant, dental surgery, Apollo Hospital, Delhi, “One develops a fresh layer of plaque every eight hours. Now it’s impossible to brush your teeth that frequently but cleaning them twice a day is a must. Plaque collects faster if the intake of carbohydrates is more. These substances combine with plaque to form an acid, which leads to swollen gums in adults and tooth decay in kids.”
Brushing at night is an absolute must. “Brushing in the morning mainly freshens you up. During the day, our mouth is mostly in use. Night is the time when bacteria can attack our teeth and gums the most as there is no activity and they get enough time and space to multiply and cause damage,” says Mumbai-based dentist Dr Homi F. Irani.
How long should you brush? Most people do not brush for more than 30-40 seconds. That’s as good as a formality. “A thorough session of brushing should last for at least two to three minutes,” says Delhi-based dentist Dr Priyanka Mittal. Instead of vigorous brushing with a stiff-bristle toothbrush, one must go for gentle, circular, massaging movements with a soft-bristle toothbrush.

... contd.