Toothbrushing may not be enough in order to maintain healthy gums. Adjuncts such as interdental brushes may be used to get between gaps where teeth have been lost or drifted.

MOUTHWASHES

Mouthwashes should be selected carefully, as certain brands are unhealthy for your gums while others if abused may cause staining of your teeth. Chlorhexidine - this mouthwash which is marketed as Corsydl is effective in reducing gingivitis.

DENTAL FLOSS

Dental floss allows the patient to access those areas which are missed by the toothbrush. The technique is quite simple and is more easily performed in front of the mirror.

The interproximal areas are difficult to clean with a toothbrush alone as the triangular area marked in red is not reached by the bristles. Plaque indicated in yellow can build up in these areas and dental floss is required to clean between the teeth efficiently.

The Technique
Take a piece of dental floss about 10 inches long. Wrap it around the fingers at each end then place it down between the teeth. Gently move it sideways, taking care not to injure the gum. The floss is removed by letting go of one end and pulling it though gently.

TOOTHBRUSHING
Choosing the correct type of toothbrush is important as it will make brushing easier and more effective. Certain areas of the mouth are more prone to collecting plaque and calculus. This includes the area below the lower incisors which are constantly washed by the ducts of the salivary glands under the tongue. Fluoride toothpaste will also help prevent tooth decay and help freshen your breath.

Toothbrush choice

When choosing a toothbrush you should consider the following factors;
Size of the head:
Toothbrushes with small heads are better as they can reach difficult to clean areas near the back of the mouth and between the tongue and lower molar teeth.
Shape of the bristles:
Some toothbrushes have bristles that stick out in all directions, whether you like them is a matter of personal preference. The extra bristles may just get in the way if you use the correct Toothbrushing technique. For those with less dexterity the brushes with the extra bristles may be an advantage but generally should be avoided.
Changing your toothbrush:
After three months of use a toothbrushes bristles will start to wear and not clean as efficiently. Some brands of toothbrush have colored indicators which fade with use. Once the color bar is not visible the toothbrush should be changed.

Each tooth has three surfaces that needs to be cleaned. Brush each surface five times.

The toothbrush should be held at 45 degrees to the tooth and moved in a circular motion gently.