Oral Hygiene Instructions For Teenagers

Ability to perform effective oral hygiene at home is imperative for prevention of further disease, success of treatment and long-term maintenance of health.

We often say it is 80% about what you do at home and 20% about what we can do for you.

You will be given tailored Oral Hygiene instructions that are specific for your mouth. This must be practiced effectively as demonstrated.

 If there is any confusion about how to use these devices once they have been demonstrated to you, please ask for clarification at anytime!

FLOSS or INTERDENTAL BRUSHES remove plaque and trapped food from areas that your brush cannot reach. Use once a day but do it thoroughly.

Floss – gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. Move it gently up and down against each tooth.

Interdental Brushes (tepes) – move in and out of the space between the teeth: 3x straight strokes, 3x strokes to the right and to the left. Rinse brushes with water between each tooth. Replace brushes every 2-3 days

Single tufted brush (soft – Wisdom brand) – recommended for cleaning back teeth, large gaps, difficult areas e.g: wisdom teeth, fixed ortho appliances (braces, wire, retainers etc). Point brush towards the gumline, use gentle agitating movements along the gumline. Use once-twice a day and change every 3 months!

Toothbrushing

(Manual) – angle bristles towards the gum at 45 degree, create gentle circular motions and spend 3-5 seconds per surface. Brush twice a day and change your toothbrush every 3 months or once your brush starts to lose its shape.

(Electric toothbrush) – angle bristles towards the gum at 45 degree, hold still (gently) and spend 3-5 seconds per surface. The heads should be replaced every 2-3 months.

* Toothpaste: Use a toothpaste containing at least 1450ppm fluoride concentration, spit out after brushing and do not rinse (to maintain fluoride concentration). If you have sensitive teeth use desensitizing toothpaste e.g Sensodyne sensitive. For particularly sensitive teeth apply toothpaste topically to the sensitive areas before sleep.

* Mouthwash (use at separate time from brushing): mouthwashes do not remove bacterial plaque from the teeth but may be recommended in specific circumstances e.g during orthodontic treatment or evidence of enamel decalcification.

* Tongue Cleaning: do not use your normal toothbrush to clean your tongue as this will transfer bugs from your tongue to the brush! Buy a ‘tongue scraper’. Clean your tongue twice daily to remove bacterial coatings from the tongue and prevent bad breath

* Disclosing Tablets

Using a Disclosing tablet, which colours the plaque is a quick and easy self-check method. The two-tone effect shows both new and old plaque. With a pleasant fruit flavour, you can identify areas in need of better oral hygiene.

Brush your teeth first, then disclose using the tablets then see what areas have been missed. Concentrate on cleaning these areas for a few days and repeat the process to see if your brushing has improved.