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If I brush and floss my teeth regularly, do I still need to see the dentist?

Even if you brush and floss regularly, you still need to see a dentist for regular check-ups. Not only can your dentist check for decay and other oral health conditions, they remove tartar, a hardened form of dental plaque that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

Is an electric toothbrush necessary to clean teeth well?

An electric toothbrush can help make it easier to clean teeth well, but with correct technique a standard toothbrush can also do a good job.

Why do I need to brush my teeth?

Over time, dental plaque, a soft deposit that contains bacteria, tends to develop on the surfaces of teeth. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

How often do I need to brush my teeth?

For good oral health, it is important to brush your teeth 2-3 times a day. More frequent brushing may not be beneficial, as it may wear down your tooth enamel.

For how long do I need to brush my teeth?

To clean your teeth thoroughly, the inside, outside and chewing surface of each tooth needs to be brushed. This takes around 2-3 minutes.

What is flossing?

Flossing is cleaning the surfaces between the teeth by passing thread-like 'floss' between the teeth in a sawing motion.

Do I need to floss?

Flossing regularly helps to remove dental plaque that may form between teeth and prevent tooth decay and gum damage. Brushing cannot effectively reach these areas.

How often do I need to floss?

For good oral health, it is important to floss your teeth every day.

Is a hard or soft toothbrush better for my teeth?

A toothbrush with soft bristles and a small head is recommended. This helps to prevent premature wear of the enamel of the teeth.

Do I need to rinse my mouth after brushing my teeth?

It is not necessary to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth and spitting out the toothpaste. Leaving a small amount of toothpaste on your teeth can help to protect them from decay.

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About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 07 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Votes: 1014 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Oral hygiene

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