Got a question about dental hygiene and don’t know who to ask? Here are the answers to some of your top questions.
Do I really have to brush for 2 minutes?
Yes! Research has shown that brushing for one minute removes 27% of plaque, while brushing for two minutes removes 41% of plaque. Brushing longer also means you actually spend time trying to reach the inside surfaces such as the back of your teeth and the insides of your molars.
Brushing quickly might mean you’re not bothering to brush the corners where bacteria might lurk, allowing them to build up. Plaque can also remain and harden into tartar which you can’t remove through brushing your teeth.
Do I need to floss?
Yes, you do. You might think that flossing doesn’t do anything for your teeth, but it can remove bacteria from the spaces between your teeth in a way that a toothbrush can’t. Not flossing would mean you are leaving the surfaces between your teeth unclean which can lead to the buildup of plaque. Bacteria can also eat away at your gums leading to gum disease.
It’s also much better to floss before brushing even though many people do it the other way round. Flossing releases food bits and bacteria in your mouth, and brushing afterwards can remove these particles from your mouth. Brushing before flossing is like mopping the floor before cleaning all of the dust off the shelf – you’ll have dust remaining on the floor.
Is it compulsory to use mouthwash?
It isn’t compulsory, but using mouthwash can often help you to prevent gum disease, kill bacteria and prevent bad breath. Whitening mouthwashes will not whiten your teeth by themselves, but can contribute to whiter teeth provided you also brush and floss properly every day.
Use mouthwash once a day and gargle for 30 seconds for maximum benefit. Some researchers have said that excessive use of mouthwash can also kill the good bacteria in your mouth, so avoid using mouthwash more than once a day.
Can straightening my teeth improve my dental hygiene?
Yes! Crooked teeth prevent your toothbrush from reaching certain areas, allowing bacteria and plaque to thrive. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Straightening your teeth doesn’t only give you a more beautiful smile to boost your confidence. It makes it easier for you to brush all the surfaces of your teeth and floss properly, allowing you to maintain higher standards of dental hygiene and prevent problems like tooth decay.
How can I clean my aligners?
If you have Zenyum aligners, it’s extremely easy to clean your aligners.
- Simply place them in a glass of lukewarm or cold water and drop in 1 tablet of braces cleaner.
- Sit back and relax while your braces cleaner does all the work. Once it’s done, remove your aligners and pour away the water and you have clean aligners!
Straighter Teeth Means Better Dental Hygiene
It’s a lot easier to clean your teeth and prevent tooth decay and gum disease with straighter teeth.
