 Which toothbrush should you be using to keep your smile healthy & stain free?When it comes to oral hygiene, the choice of toothbrush can play a significant role in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Manual toothbrushes have been the traditional choice for many people, offering a simple and cost-effective way to clean your teeth. On the other hand, battery-powered toothbrushes can provide a bit more cleaning power with their vibrating bristles, making it easier to remove plaque and debris. Are Electric toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes?Electric toothbrushes, however, take oral care to a whole new level. With their rotating or oscillating heads, electric toothbrushes can provide a more thorough and efficient cleaning experience compared to manual or battery-powered brushes. Some electric toothbrushes even come with built-in timers to help you brush for the recommended two minutes. Cleaning your teeth is about using the right technique rather than the right toothbrushUltimately, the best toothbrush for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a manual brush, the convenience of a battery-powered option, or the advanced cleaning technology of an electric toothbrush, the most important thing is to brush regularly and effectively to keep your smile bright and healthy. It’s the automatic assumption that an electric toothbrush is going to be the preferred choice for patients to use, and patients comment ‘I know I should get an electric brush’. Please don’t think this, your technique in how you use the brush is what makes the difference. I have many patients who use a manual toothbrush correctly and others who use an electric toothbrush incorrectly. The way you brush your teeth, the duration and frequency is what makes the difference when it comes to keeping your smile healthy and disease-free. How to remove plaque effectivley - at homeWould you like to know more and learn how to use your toothbrush to clean your smile effectively? Trial the toothbrushing course for people just like you available in the app store now, simply search Kirstys Smile Academy and start your journey to a healthier smile now.
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 Three effective ways to remove plaque from between your teeth for a healthier smileTaking care of your teeth is an essential aspect of maintaining good oral health. While brushing your teeth twice daily is an excellent start, it's not enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Cleaning between your teeth is also essential. Regular cleaning of the spaces between your teeth can help prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease and cavities. But what are the best ways to clean the spaces between your teeth? Here are a few options. Flossing - to clean the spaces between your teethFlossing is one of the most popular and effective ways to clean the spaces between your teeth. It involves using a thin piece of string to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. To floss correctly, break off about 18 inches of floss and wrap it around your index fingers. Gently slide the floss between your teeth and move it up and down in a back-and-forth motion. Be sure to curve the floss around the base of each tooth and go beneath the gumline. Interdental Brushes - to clean the spaces between your teethInterdental brushes are another option for cleaning between your teeth. These small brushes are designed to fit between your teeth and can help remove plaque and food particles. They come in various sizes, and you should choose the size that fits the space between your teeth best. Try using the largest size brush that fits each space, this may mean using a few different sizes to clean your whole mouth. To use an interdental brush, gently insert it between your teeth and move it back and forth. Be sure not to force the brush as this can damage your gums. (Pro tip - you can use these brushes more than once, there is no need to throw them away after each use) Waterflosser - to clean the spaces between your teethWater flossers are an excellent alternative to traditional flossing. These devices use a stream of water to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth. They are particularly useful for people who have braces or other dental appliances. To use a water flosser, fill the reservoir with water and direct the stream between your teeth. Be sure to start with the lowest setting and work your way up as needed. (Pro tip - use warm water, cold water can trigger sensitivity)
In conclusion, cleaning between your teeth is crucial for maintaining good oral health. Flossing, interdental brushes, and water flossers are all excellent options for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Choose the method that works best for you and be sure to do it at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Cleaning between your teeth is essential for good oral health. There are several options to choose from to get the job done, including flossing, interdental brushes, and water flossers. Each method has its benefits, so pick one that works best for you and stick to it!  8 secrets dental hygienists share; allowing you to keep your smile for lifeDental hygienists are the experts in oral health and hygiene. They know the best tips and tricks to keep their teeth healthy and strong. Here are eight daily habits that dental hygienists follow to keep their teeth for life.
1. Brush twice a day: Dental hygienists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. This helps remove plaque and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. 2. Floss every day: Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can't reach. Dental hygienists recommend flossing at least once a day. 3. Use mouthwash: Mouthwash is another tool that dental hygienists use to keep their teeth healthy. It helps kill bacteria that can cause bad breath and gum disease. 4. Chew sugar-free gum: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acid in your mouth and prevent tooth decay. 5. Avoid sugary and acidic foods: Dental hygienists know that sugary and acidic foods can be harmful to your teeth. They recommend limiting your intake of these foods and drinks. 6. Drink plenty of water: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Dental hygienists recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day. 7. Visit your dentist regularly: Dental hygienists know the importance of regular dental checkups. They recommend visiting your dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and checkups. 8. Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, dental hygienists recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage. By following these daily habits, dental hygienists keep their teeth healthy and strong for life.  A* efforts don't guarantee A* results when it comes to cleaning your smileIf you need dental treatments regularly, scale & polishes or fillings it's possible that your toothbrushing skills need improving. Brushing the same way as you did when you were a child? Most adults have never been show how to properly care for their smile - I'm on a mission to change this. Flossing every day can add years to your lifeMany of you believe flossing is a waste of time. In contrast removing the plaque between your teeth effectively will reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, dementia and many more systemic diseases, adding years to your life. Your teeth are meant to last your entire lifeReceding gums, bone loss and loosing teeth are not signs of ageing they are signs of dental disease. Visiting a trusted oral health professional will help highlight any areas of concern early and prevent these things from happening, so that you can keep your teeth for life.
I know it's a Sunday night, and you really don't want another reminder to brush before bedtime. However I know how simple looking after your smile can be with the right techniques. Effective oral care is not hard, it's effort. Unfortunately teeth are one thing that even if neglected for a short time can result in lasting damage. Once you have a filling that tooth is effectively on a route to more treatment, re-fillings then root canal treatments, crowns then eventually extractions. The cost of dental care is not expensive, regular dental examinations are your best investments to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Unsure if your brushing correctly? DM me and I'll do what I can to help you keep your smile healthy for life :) Kirsty  Recent studies have shown that good oral hygiene practices can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.While more research is needed to fully understand the connection between oral hygiene and CVD mortality, these findings are significant. To maintain good oral hygiene, we recommend brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day.To maintain good oral hygiene, we recommend brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. People who practice these habits have been found to have a 23% lower risk of CVD mortality than those who do not. Although mouthwash can be helpful in reducing bad breath and killing bacteria in the mouth, it does not provide any additional benefits to brushing and flossing alone when it comes to reducing the risk of CVD mortality. Fortunately, good oral hygiene practices are relatively inexpensive and have a low risk of adverse effects, making them an easy and accessible way to improve overall health. People who already have heart disease can benefit from maintaining good oral hygiene and reducing their risk of CVD mortality.While the exact link between oral hygiene and CVD mortality is not yet fully understood, it is believed that oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. Therefore, it is essential to keep in mind that good oral hygiene is not only about having a beautiful smile, but also about maintaining overall health. In addition to brushing and flossing, it is also important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
 Beyond Fresh Breath: 5 Reasons to improve your Toothbrushing for a lifelong smileDon't simply brush your teeth because it's a necessary chore. This daily habit offers more than just fresh breath. Here are five compelling reasons to prioritize your dental hygiene today. As a dental health app, we are passionate about educating people on the importance of oral health. Kirsty is on a mission to improve access to dental health education, and we are here to help you better understand how to care for your smile at home to keep your teeth and smile healthy for life. In this article, we will go beyond the common reason of "because we have to" and share with you five reasons to clean your smile today. First and foremost, cleaning your teeth helps to prevent tooth decay.First and foremost, cleaning your teeth helps to prevent tooth decay. When we eat, the bacteria in our mouth feed on the sugars we consume and produce acid that can wear away at our teeth. By brushing our teeth, we remove the bacteria and plaque build-up that can cause cavities. Secondly, keeping your teeth clean helps to prevent gum disease.Gum disease is caused by inflammation of the gums due to bacteria in the mouth. Brushing your teeth helps to remove the bacteria that cause inflammation and can prevent gum disease from developing. Thirdly, brushing your teeth can improve your overall health.The bacteria in our mouth can travel to other parts of our body through our bloodstream and cause infections or inflammation. By keeping our mouth clean, we reduce the risk of bacteria traveling from the mouth to the body. Fourthly, brushing your teeth can help to keep your breath fresh.Bad breath is often caused by the bacteria in our mouth, and brushing can help to remove these bacteria and keep our breath smelling clean. Lastly, brushing your teeth is a form of self-care.Taking the time to care for our teeth can make us feel good and improve our overall well-being. So, next time you brush your teeth, remember that you are doing more than just banishing bad breath. You are taking an important step towards a healthier life.
It's important to note that brushing your teeth alone is not enough to maintain optimal oral health. Flossing and using mouthwash are also essential components of a good dental hygiene routine. And, of course, visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings can help catch any potential issues before they become more serious. By prioritizing your dental hygiene and making it a daily habit, you can reap the benefits of a healthier smile and overall improved well-being. So, next time you reach for your toothbrush, remember the many reasons why it's so important to take care of your teeth. Can gum disease affect memory loss and cognitive decline?Alzheimers disease affects the brain. The disease is the most common form of dementia, individuals will suffer a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills. These changes will affect the persons personality and their ability to function.
`According to statistics by 2025 over 1 million UK citizens will have dementia, there are many studies that represent a similar projection for this number. Evidently the population as a whole is living longer and this means we are more likely to develop diseases as we get older. However 'more likely' does not mean 'will'. I am confident that more research will highlight the importance of oral health and systemic health. Oral care does not currently carry the same levels of significance within our culture as other 'healthy habits'. Stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating less fats and undertaking daily exercise are among the biggest messages the public receives to live a healthy life. There is very little advice advertised in mainstream media on the significance of a healthy mouth. As a nation we are getting older, we are keeping our teeth for longer. As a dental hygienist therapist with over a decade of experience in dentistry I acknowledge daily the impact that having a healthy mouth can have on a persons overall health. When looking at a persons medical history and the diseases that they suffer with and medications they are taking I am almost nerve surprised that the individuals with the healthiest mouths often have the least medical notes. Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Gum disease affects the health of the supporting tissues of the teeth. When cleaning your smile it is important to thoroughly remove all plaque. Should any plaque be left undisturbed the inflammatory response may be triggered. Blood is sent to the area where the bacteria is present and your gum's become inflamed. Bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease and should never be ignored. Often people misinterpret poor brushing for aggressive brushing and think they are doing to good of a job with their toothbrush if their gums bleed. This could not be further from the truth. Bleeding gums are caused almost entirely because of gum disease. P.Gingivalis is a bacteria that is most commonly associated with gum disease, it has also been found in the brains of individuals suffering cognitive decline. How is a bacteria that is usually found on the mouth now being found in the brain? Scientists believe that this harmful bacteria is traveling though the bloodstream, thus why gum disease has been linked to a number of systemic diseases; one of which being Alzheimers disease. To protect your smile from dental disease and your brain from damaging bacteria I urge you to reconsider the importance you place on your oral care and empower you to take back the power and reduce your chances of developing Alzheimers disease by taking care of your smile and removing plaque effectively. For more information - download Kirstys Smile Academy in the App store or Google play today.edit.
How to choose the right toothbrush to clean your smile?When deciding what toothbrush to buy it's important to look for some key features. The most important part of the toothbrush is the filament head. You should be looking for a manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head that contains as many bristles as possible. Opting for a smooth brush head that's flat, has no plastic bits with soft/medium bristles is best to remove plaque most effectively meaning a cleaner healthier smile. Why you should not use a hard bristle toothbrush.When cleaning your teeth your goal is to remove the sticky plaque bacteria. A rigid hard bristle brush will not flex enough to remove the soft plaque. Using a soft/medium brush will help you navigate the surfaces of your smile easier. Closing your mouth and sealing your lips around your toothbrush will give you more space to reach the corners of your mouth that people often find hardest to clean. Hard bristle brush has filaments that are unable to optimally disturb the plaque bacteria and so even after you brush your teeth, you may not get that squeaky clean feeling. Why you should choose a toothbrush with soft/medium bristles.Plaque is soft, a gentle circular motion with the toothbrush head angled towards your gums will clean your teeth most effectively. A soft/medium bristle brush will flex and allow the fine filaments of your toothbrush to disturb the plaque in hard to reach areas, meaning a more thorough clean. How does plaque cause your teeth to stain?There is a form of bacteria, classified as chromogenic bacteria this is a (color-producing bacteria) and it is responsible for causing staining on your tooth's surface. It picks up on colourants in the foods and drinks we consume and leads to staining on your enamel. What can cause your teeth to stain?Tea, coffee smoking, red wine, curries and the usual culprits that people are aware of. There is one dental product that I repeatedly see the most staining from when patients visit the surgery for their appointments. The characteristic of this staining is a dark brown residue that binds to the tooth's surface and is impossible to remove with a toothbrush. Mouthwash containing the active ingredient; chlorhexidine is responsible for this staining. Rarely do I advise my patients to use a mouthwash. Times where I have recommended a mouthwash I advise this to be used at lunchtime at a different time to brushing (never after brushing) for most benefits. When I do recommend a chlorhexidine mouthwash I always recommend this to be used for a few days following a hygiene appointment and then the first few days of the month. This gives your saliva a little help is disturbing the bacteria. I don't recommend daily use of mouthwash as this can have negative effects of your saliva and lead to an imbalance in the natural healthy good bacteria in your mouth. ConclusionBrushing your teeth is essential to removing the bacteria from your enamel. The more bristles on your toothbrush will help you cover more surface area of your teeth and ultimately remove more bacteria, meaning less stain build up on your smile line.
Ultimately your toothbrush can only do so much, the technique of how you use your toothbrush is most important. Learn how to effectively clean your teeth with my 28 day program. For more information & to see if it's a fit for you download Kirstys Smile Academy in the App store and watch the FREE into video. Any questions please DM me. Kirsty  The simple twice daily task of brushing your teeth that most people complete without even realising. Something we each do daily to protect our smiles yet we give little consideration for its importance. Unsurprisingly most people have never been shown how to clean their teeth properly, meaning that most people don’t give toothbrushing the recognition it deserves when it comes to its importance. Cleaning your teeth daily is often seen as a chore, to many its simply a small menial task that if skipped or missed is no big deal. These same people may be concerned about ill health, they may have a family history of diabetes, Alzheimers, dementia, heart disease stroke or cancer. These people may try to live a healthy lifestyle, sure they enjoy their weekends but they will usually adopt an active approach to their health and try to reduce their risk of developing one of the many diseases associated with poor diet and an inactive lifestyle. People just like you are trying their hardest to maintain the balancing act of living a conscious life whilst enjoying their time also. People just like you are skipping toothbrushing or not giving flossing the time and respect it deserves. I hear you, you may be late for work, you prefer to spend a few extra minutes in bed, your teeth always bleed when you floss so its best to avoid flossing right? Maybe it's time to re-think this thought. Oral health is in part one of the biggest risk factors to poor general health. There is a thin line between the inside and outside of your body when it comes to the tissues in your mouth. Have your gums ever bleed whilst you have brushes or flossed them? Just as easily as the blood seeps from your gumline, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gumline. Have you ever thought of that? Bacteria that has been left on the surface of your teeth can enter into your bloodstream and travel to so many systems of your body. Its important that we recognise the importance of oral health and how the implications of ignoring bleeding gums and deciding not to invest time into our brushing routine could be putting ourselves at risk of developing diseases that are linked to the bacteria found in our mouthes. To learn ask your dental care professional about your risk of gum disease and a demonstration of how to care for your teeth effectively. Alternatively learn how to care for your smile from the comfort of your own home with The 28 Day Smile challenge, the foundation course of Kirsty's Smile Academy (app downloadable on Google play & App Store.) Did you like this blog? Please let me know in the comment section below Kirsty Oral Health Coach Dental Hygiene Therapist website www.the28daysmile.co.uk Instagram @The28DaySmile Facebook www.facebook.com/The28DaySmile/   Master toothbrushing in just a few hours Have you every thought of toothbrushing as a skill? A simple daily habit overlooked by so many as being just ‘something we have to do’ but have you ever really thought about toothbrushing and what you're actually brushing your teeth for? The aim of toothbrushing is to remove plaque bacteria. Plaque bacteria is a mix of your saliva, left over food particles and bacteria. Sounds gross right? Well it is, worst still is that poor oral hygiene means that this plaque bacteria is left on the surface of your enamel when not removed daily with effective toothbrush and appropriate interdental cleaning. Imagine not brushing your teeth properly and allowing this bacteria to live and grow on the surface of your smile. Doesn’t sound nice does it? Luckily there are products available that you can buy to help you remove this plaque daily, that allow you to protect your smile from the harmful damaging affects that bacteria can cause. Left on the surface of your teeth bacteria will metabolise sugar found in the foods and drinks that you consume and produce acid. This acid weakens your enamel and results in cavities forming. Also the presence of this plaque upsets your gum issue. Your bone will protect itself from this plaque bacteria by receding, meaning you could develop gum disease, bone loss and tooth loss due to ineffective oral care. I’m sure most of you agree that you try to look after your smile as best as possible, your most likely agree that you could floss a little more, but who flosses? Besides bad teeth and gum disease runs in your family and your teeth have always bleed so there is no reason to be concerned? Right?.. Wrong. Bleeding gums are one of the first signs of gum disease (not present in those that smoke, a topic to be discussed in another blog) Bleeding gums should never be ignored. So what can you do? You could head to the supermarket and pick up the fanciest most expensive toothbrush on the shelf, you could buy the most expensive toothpaste you can find or you could spend your time investing into learning how to brush your teeth. That’s right, toothbrushing is a skill, a skill that can be learnt at any age. You could visit your dental care professional and ask for a thorough in surgery demonstration on how to use your toothbrush and interdental cleaning brushes/floss. You could go to university and learn how to brush like I did? 5 years at the dental academy learning how to brush my teeth and care for my patients smiles. I believe everyone deserves to have access to up to date & effective oral care, that’s why I created The 28 Day Smile. The 28 Day Smile is an innovative oral hygiene program designed to give you the knowledge and understanding needed to care for your teeth so that you can smile for life. So if you’d like to learn how to brush your teeth like a pro and gain the skills needed to keep your smile clean & healthy for life, simply take onThe 28 Day Smile Challenge. Did you like this blog? Please let me know in the comment section below Kirsty Oral Health Coach Dental Hygiene Therapist website www.the28daysmile.co.uk Instagram @The28DaySmile Facebook www.facebook.com/The28DaySmile/  |
KirstyOral hygiene educator |
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