What does a comprehensive daily oral care routine include?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 35-year-old male. Please answer a few questions regarding oral care:

Are there specific features I should consider when selecting a toothbrush and toothpaste?
How often should I replace my toothbrush?
What is the correct technique for flossing, and how frequently should I incorporate it into my oral care routine?
What are the key considerations for promoting good oral hygiene practices in children?

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query. Here are a few suggestions:

Drink water after eating anything.
Brush twice a day. Ensure that your brushing technique is correct. Use a circular or vertical motion; avoid moving your brush horizontally as it can cause attrition and abrasion of teeth. Brush all sides of your teeth, including the buccal (outer) and lingual (inner) surfaces.
Floss after brushing, both morning and night.
For children, after eating anything, have them drink water and brush their teeth twice a day.
Always use a soft toothbrush and good-quality toothpaste in gel form, not powder form. Tooth powder can cause abrasion of tooth surfaces leading to sensitivity issues.
Consider getting your teeth scaled and polished every six months to maintain good oral hygiene.

I hope these suggestions clarify your queries.

Thank you.