Toothbrush Talk – Tips For Happy and Healthy Teeth!

It is no secret that I have had issues with my teeth for many years and even though National Oral Health Care Month is in April, I think it is important to talk about proper oral care ALL OF THE TIME. Don’t you agree? 🙂

A few days ago saw many of the children of the world dressing up as their favourite character and stomping all through their neighborhoods to bring home bags and bags of candy and other assorted goodies.  I dare say that a few adults took part in this wonderful tradition we call Halloween as well. I know I did. Well, I didn’t dress up, but I love handing out the treats at the door while my hubby supervises the kiddos on their junk food jaunt. Once home the bags of loot were examined, oohed and ahhed over and then the questions started: “Can I have one piece please?” then, ” Just one more before bedtime, please?” always said with the puppy dog eyes and then the, “Well, I worked so hard to get all this candy, can’t I have some more?” You’ve got to give them an A for effort, if not originality. 🙂

Now I certainly don’t mind the kids having treats every now and then, but the problem is the after effects, ie: cavities. It is a proven fact that not brushing your teeth, at least twice a day (better if you can do it after each meal and before bed though) will bring about tooth decay. Candy alone is not going to guarantee a filling will be needed at your next check-up, but let’s face it, who wants to brush with the sweet taste of chocolate lingering on your tongue? Not me and not most kiddos. So, even though consuming a lot of candy on Halloween has it’s drawbacks for many reasons, let’s focus on this one: how we can get kids to want to brush after pigging out on their hard earned prize. 

Tips For Happy and Healthy Teeth

• My first suggestion is to start with a great toothbrush. I have tried many different types in my lifetime, both electric and manual and they both serve a purpose.  A reliable manual brush is a must for my family and I because we visit family overnight, the kids go on sleepovers and I like to take one to work as well. Let me introduce you to The Truly Radiant™ Extra White Manual Toothbrush!

• This cavity fighter is the only manual brush that features a unique rotating head, plus elongated all-access bristles to blast away any surface stains.  Using this brush will not only help keep teeth pearly white, it will also help brush away any newly formed cavities caused by Halloween overindulgence. 🙂 Combine this with the Truly Radiant™ Rejuvenating Toothpaste and you have yourself a winning cavity fighting pair.  See parents, I’ve got you covered. 🙂

• Now, while it is very important to have the right manual brush, equally important is your tooth-brushing technique.  The best way to clean your teeth is to hold your brush at a 45-degree angle using short strokes with an up and down motion. Using this technique will help remove any plaque or bacteria build up on your teeth and gums.  You will find that most dentists recommend brushing your teeth for at least two minutes to ensure you remove that nasty plaque and ward off bad breath.
• Now this is something I tell my children all of the time: when brushing you want to be gentle and avoid brushing too hard.  Just because you are rough on your toothbrush does not mean your teeth are being cleaned.  If anything this can irritate your gums and possibly cause them to bleed. You want to make sure your entire mouth gets cleaned by brushing the outer and inner tooth surfaces, your back molars and don’t forget your tongue.  Bacteria love to hang out here.
• One of the easiest things to overlook is the age of your toothbrush. If the bristles are starting to separate or look worn and frayed, it is probably time to get a new brush. A good guideline is to replace your toothbrush every three months or so.
• Lastly, whether you are a child just learning to brush or an adult with years of brushing experience under your belt, you need to make this a habit that you will never stop doing. Learn to love the chore by using a brush you love, like The Truly Radiant™ Extra While Manual Toothbrush, maybe hum a favourite tune while brushing and your smile will be your best friend. 🙂

You can read a bit more about the importance of proper oral hygiene and my take on it here. 

What is your favourite flavour of toothpaste to use? I am a fan of wintergreen myself. 🙂 Happy brushing!

FT&PD

Suz

Disclosure: I am a 2015 Church & Dwight Ambassador. The teeth in my head are all mine, just like my thoughts and opinions…