Frequently asked questions

Brush up on your knowledge! Here are some answers to commonly asked questions to help keep your teeth and gums healthy, and your breath fresh.

• Why do I need to brush my teeth?
• What is the correct way to brush teeth?
• How should I choose a toothbrush?
• How often should I change my brush?
• Why do teeth become sensitive?
• What causes bad breath and how can it be cured?
• When should I start brushing my child's teeth?
• When should I start taking my child to the dentist?

Q: Why do I need to brush my teeth?

A: Over 300 different types of naturally occurring bacteria are contained in the mouth. If they are not removed by regular brushing, they form a coating called plaque. If plaque builds up, it can cause some nasty damage, such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Q: What is the correct way to brush teeth?

A: It is recommended that you take at least two minutes to clean teeth thoroughly, twice a day.

Move the brush-head from gum line to the tip of the tooth. Work systematically around the outside, inside and biting surfaces of all your teeth. Pay particular attention to the gum line and any problem areas your dentist identifies. Hold the brush at a 45° angle against the gum line, brush gently using a soft toothbrush so you don’t damage your gums.

Want to see how to brush your teeth correctly?

Q: How should I choose a toothbrush?

A: It's important that your toothbrush can reach all the surfaces of your teeth. So a brush with a smaller head is generally better than one with a larger head. Whether you choose a toothbrush with a straight handle or not depends on the shape of your mouth and how easily you can manipulate the brush.

Q: How often should I change my brush?

A: Dentists recommend that you should change your toothbrush at least every three months because:

• The bristle ends become worn and may cause damage to gums and teeth
• Bacteria can build up on the brush head
• Splayed bristles don't clean effectively

A year's supply of toothbrushes costs less than an average CD, so there’s no excuse not to!

Q: Why do teeth become sensitive?

A: Teeth become sensitive when the nerve endings become exposed. Whilst neither tooth enamel nor the 'cement' covering the root have nerve endings, in some cases gum disease, excessive brushing, tooth grinding or general wear can expose nerve endings in the dentine.

This makes the tooth sensitive to touch and to hot, cold and sweet things. Toothpastes for sensitive teeth, such as Macleans Sensitive, can help by blocking the dentine tubules and preventing the exposure of the dentine to stimuli.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your dentist.

Q: What causes bad breath and how can it be cured?

A: The most common cause of bad breath is bad smelling gases that are by-products of bacterial activity in the mouth, or a form of gum disease.

Improving oral hygiene can help to cure bad breath.

• Use a quality toothpaste that contains fluoride, such as Macleans.
• Don't forget to clean behind the back teeth
• Try cleaning the tongue gently
• Using a mouthwash can help, but don't give it to small children
• Floss or clean between your teeth
• Chew sugar-free gum if your mouth feels dry. This will stimulate saliva which will help to kill the bacteria that cause bad breath  
• Clean your mouth after eating or drinking
• Avoid drinking too much coffee, as it tends to make bad breath worse

However, if bad breath persists, a visit to the dentist may be necessary to find out the exact cause.

Q: When should I start brushing my child's teeth?

A:  You can begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they start to come through the gums, generally at around 6-9 months of age.

To begin with, use a soft, damp cloth to wipe gently over the teeth and gums. You can start to introduce a children’s toothbrush as soon as you feel your child would accept it. Children’s toothpaste should also be introduced as soon as you feel your child is ready.

When helping your child to brush their teeth, ensure they use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and discourage them from swallowing the paste.

Q: When should I start taking my child to the dentist?

A: The first official trip to the dentist is due when your child is aged about two. However, when you go to the dentist for your regular check-ups, it may be a good idea to take your child with you so they can become familiar with the surroundings. It may not be wise to do this if you are nervous at the dentist yourself, as your child will pick up on your nervousness!

When the 'big day' comes, make it an exciting event for your child. Take along their favourite toys to play with while they're waiting. When it's time to take a ride in the dentist's special chair, your child may be a little curious to see what's going on. If so, you may want to give them a mirror to hold so they can see what the dentist is doing.

If you leave a child's first dentist visit until they have pain or there is a problem, they will be left with a negative impression of the experience, which they will remember next time they visit the dentist. You may need to put on a brave front for your child!