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< Return to the Learning Centre
Recommended oral care regime
As well as visiting your dentist regularly ensure you keep your teeth and gums in great condition by following Wisdom’s simple 3 step guide to better oral health.
Step 1. Clean Between Teeth
Your teeth aren’t really clean unless you clean between!
The areas most normal toothbrushes cannot reach are a haven for plaque bacteria, if it is not removed it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- First loosen and remove dental plaque and food debris from between the teeth using floss or an interdental brush before brushing.
- Everyone’s mouth is different make sure you choose the correct product for you. Use a floss or a tape for smaller spaces or an interdental brush for larger gaps.
- For more information on tips for cleaning between please see the section on Cleaning Between.
Step 2. Brush effectively
Why brushing is important
Good brushing with a quality toothbrush is the foundation of a good oral health routine. By removing plaque regularly you can help yourself to avoid bad breath, gum disease and tooth decay.
Choosing a toothbrush – what to look out for:
1. Texture
Choose a soft to medium texture toothbrush to gently remove plaque without damaging gums. Look out for special filaments that can help you clean more effectively, like Wisdom Clean Between which features deep cleaning ‘tapered’ filaments to help clean further between teeth and gums.
2. Head size and shape
Choose a brush with a head size to suit your brushing style. Look out for compact heads to allow access to all mouth areas with a rounded shape for safer brushing.
3. Specially designed handles
With everyone having their own unique brushing style it is important to choose a brush that suits you and provides a comfortable and secure grip when brushing. Also look out for handles that can help you to brush more effectively like Wisdom Click which tells you when you brush too hard, or Wisdom Individual which has two different handle sizes to choose from.
When to brush
Brush for 2-3 minutes in the morning and before you go to bed. If you can brush your teeth after meals then that’s even better!
How to brush
Try to adopt the dentally recommended technique of circular brushing, with the brush held at 45 degrees to the gum line. Try to brush consistently each day working your way around the mouth ensuring each tooth is cleaned thoroughly.
Change your brush regularly
Most people in the UK only change their toothbrush once in every 9 months! Dentists recommend changing your brush every 3 months or as soon as the filaments become splayed as a worn out brush is not as effective at removing plaque.
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New Brush |
Worn brush - must be changed |
Use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
Toothpaste is a useful source of fluoride. Fluoride is a natural substance which when applied to teeth is absorbed by the tooth making the enamel surface tougher and more resistant to decay, especially in children. Toothpaste is also ideal to freshen the breath and giving you that lift, especially in the morning! Ideally do not rinse afterwards as this reduces the benefits of the fluoride in the toothpaste.
Remember to use only a small amount, the size of a pea for adults and children over 4 years old. It's also wise to avoid regular use of high abrasive tooth powders and pastes. If used daily there's a serious risk of wearing the teeth away.
Step 3. Rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash
Flossing and brushing are the most effective ways to remove harmful plaque from the teeth and gums. Mouthwash should be used as the last step in your oral care regime to remove the remaining plaque from between the teeth and provide a pleasant fresh and clean mouth.
Take care to not over use mouthwash as some have been shown to be highly acidic, and can in extreme circumstances erode your teeth.