Your dentist will tell you that brushing your teeth is important and – let's be honest – it's also common knowledge that having healthy teeth will keep them white and strong. But what does it mean to have healthy teeth? It’s time to demystify this part of our body!

Brushing your teeth is the #1 way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in plaque feed on sugar, which is found in all types of food and drink. If this happens over a prolonged period, it can lead to cavities forming in your teeth. Brushing removes plaque from the surface of your teeth, which prevents tooth decay from occurring by reducing the amount of sugar that's present for bacteria to feed on.

You should brush your teeth for two minutes, at least twice a day. Brushing for short periods of time doesn't thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Most experts recommend brushing for at least two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste on soft bristles.

If you don't brush long enough, plaque can build up between your teeth and along the gum line. This can eventually lead to cavities or periodontal disease, which is an infection in your gums that can lead to tooth loss if not treated properly.

The way you brush your teeth matters

Brushing too hard is an easy mistake to make. You may be brushing too hard if:

• You have gum recession, or your gums are receding from the teeth.
• Your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold.
• Your toothbrush has changed in colour over time. Over-brushing can cause tiny cracks in the enamel, which will then allow bacteria to get into those cracks and start causing damage inside of your teeth that could lead to cavities and other problems.

It’s important to also keep your toothbrush clean. To prevent the growth of bacteria and to keep your toothbrush clean, you should:

• Rinse it with warm water after each use. Bacteria thrive in moist environments, so be sure to rinse your brush well after brushing your teeth with it.
• Store it upright in a holder that keeps bristles away from other things in the bathroom. This will help keep any leftover food particles from being transferred onto the next thing you use that brush on – i.e. your face! Also make sure that the holder is high enough (at least 6 inches) so that no little kids can get their hands on it as well.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or when there are signs of wear and tear (such as frayed bristles). If there are any cracks in the handle or deep scratches on the head, then that's a good indicator that you need to replace your toothbrush sooner rather than later!

Choose your floss…

So, how do you know what type of floss is best for you? It depends on several factors, including whether or not you have any dental problems that make it difficult to floss. Some people may find that a different type of floss works better for them than others. In general, the best type of floss is the one you'll use regularly and properly.

Here are some tips to follow when choosing which kind of floss to buy:

• Make sure your floss is shred-resistant and slides easily between your teeth. If not, it'll be more likely to fray and break, which could hurt your gums.
• Be sure the individual strands aren't so thin they snap when used — this can also cause damage if they're sharp enough (like plastic).

…And your toothpaste!

Your toothpaste is your main defence against bad teeth health. If you’re struggling with regular toothpastes, Duraphat 5000 toothpaste is a high fluoride toothpaste that relieves pain from cavities and protect from further damage.