How to wash your teeth well | Life and style

YYou should routinely cover all surfaces of your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes twice a day. Unfortunately, we live so busy lives that taking two more minutes is a life for some people.

Your teeth tend to be a little softer just after eating, so wait at least half an hour. Then rub along the gum line rubbing lightly. Do not press too hard or be too light.

It is very important that you eliminate bacteria – plaque – from your teeth. If you do not remove this, your gums will be irritated and bleed. Some people think that means that they have to let them heal, but all that happens is that the bacteria remain on your teeth. If you want to be sure to do it effectively, buy pills from the pharmacist that reveal the plaque that will stain the remaining bacteria.

There is some evidence that small-headed electric toothbrushes tend to be a little better than manual brushes – but be sure to use them consistently.

Brushing teeth fights gum disease; fluoride toothpaste stops cavities. Spit toothpaste but do not rinse. The mouthwash itself will not do the job that brushing with toothpaste does. If you want to use a mouthwash, spit rather than rinse.

Ask your dentist or hygienist about flossing. For most people, a good brushing will suffice. Others may be more susceptible to gum disease and need to do more, such as using interdental brushes (for spaces between the teeth) and dental floss (in close contact with the teeth).

Teacher Damien Walmsley is a scientific advisor to the British Dental Association. He was talking to Emine Saner