Regular brushing, whether with an electric or manual toothbrush, is vital for good oral health.
One of the main functions of brushing is to remove the build up of plaque bacteria from the surface of the teeth, gums and tongue. Plaque is a colourless sticky substance which is constantly forming.
It is important to eliminate plaque as it can create sulphur compounds, the cause of bad breath;
it can form a dilute acid which erodes tooth enamel creating cavities and decay; it can harden to form tartar which can irritate the gum line. Tartar and decay can then, in turn, lead to problems such as gingivitis, periodontal disease and tooth loss.
It is therefore important to brush first thing in the morning and last thing at night, and, after meals if possible.
For optimum oral health, dental professionals recommend that brushing is combined with flossing to remove plaque and food debris from between the teeth and rinsing with mouthwash to eliminate bacteria. Disclosing products such as tablets and floss can help you to monitor how effective your dental routine is.
Regular dentist checkups are also essential to ensure that your mouth is healthy and that you do not have any underlying dental problems.