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Yes, if you want to stay healthy. When you choose to brush your teeth you get many benefits. Here are three good reasons why toothbrushing is important.
Firstly, it is THE number one way of keeping your mouth healthy. Bugs that live on your teeth (called plaque) mature over three days to cause a swelling reaction in your gums. This causes gum disease, loose teeth and tooth loss. Removing this plaque properly can prevent and even treat this infection. Secondly, toothbrushing helps prevent tooth decay. The bugs on your teeth love sugar. This sugar comes from your diet. When these bugs eat sugar they excrete (poo) acid. This acid melts your tooth causing a hole that we call a cavity. Toothbrushing removes many of these bugs so they cannot start this process. Fluoride toothpaste on your toothbrush also prevents these holes. Lastly, toothbrushing helps you freshen your breath and smile with clean teeth and healthy looking gums.

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Most dental experts say you should brush twice a day, in the morning and at night. However, if the person finds toothbrushing difficult or needs a lot of help to brush their teeth well, this may not work out very well. For some people, it might work better to brush once a day, or even once every two days. The important thing is to spend the right amount of time, using the right brush and, of course, the right technique. Our videos can help you to find out what’s right for you. If you have any doubts talk to a dental care professional.

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Normal toothbrushes work really well if used properly. Even though electric toothbrushes might be slightly better at removing plaque, normal toothbrushes have lots of advantages: they are cheap, easy to replace and familiar to use. If using a standard brush, make sure it has a small head and soft or medium bristles. Most importantly, use it effectively. Our videos can help. If in doubt talk to a dental care professional.

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This depends on which toothbrush is best for that person. Some people are happy to use any type of brush. Some people love gadgets so an electric toothbrush might work best. Sometimes the vibration is pleasant for people with hypersensitivity. On average, according to a recent Cochrane Review, special toothbrushes like Barmann’s Special are better at removing plaque from teeth than other brushes, particularly if used by a carer. These toothbrushes require a specific technique to use so make sure and check out our videos to show you how to use them. Think about the person you are caring for and weigh up the positives and negatives of different options. Don’t forget you can always contact a dental healthcare professional for advice.

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The sorry truth is that we are all pretty bad at brushing our teeth. Even the best patients can miss about a third of their tooth surfaces when brushing. There are lots of different ways in which we can get help. It may be as simple as watching a video, right up to having someone else clean our teeth for us. If you feel that you need help brushing – ask for it. If you feel that someone you care for needs help, offer it or ask someone to help. Often there is a need to balance the need for health and the need for independence. If in doubt, talk to a dental care professional.

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This depends on the type of toothbrush you use and whether you need no help, a little help or a lot of help.
If you use a normal toothbrush, watch video 1, 2 or 3.
If you use an electric brush, watch video 4, 5 or 6.
If you use a special brush, watch video 7, 8 or 9.

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No, but we have demonstrated techniques that are based on evidence. This means that what we demonstrate might give you the best chance of getting it right. Everybody has their own way of cleaning their teeth, and what works for you may not work for others. So feel free to adapt the principles in the videos to plan your oral care.

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Good toothbrushing removes bugs from the tooth, is safe and does not take too long. The easiest way to check if your teeth are clean after brushing is to look at your teeth before and after toothbrushing. They should look cleaner afterwards. If you really want to see if your teeth are clean, get some disclosing tablets from your dental care professional. These stain the dirty parts of your teeth blue or red. Be prepared to be shocked at how dirty your teeth actually are!

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Most dentists say two minutes for most people. However, for some people with disabilities this can be a lot longer or even a lot shorter. If there is a good reason to do this, seek input from your dental care professional.

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You should only brush your teeth hard enough to remove the plaque without scrubbing away the gum. This is about the same pressure as it takes to start your fingernail going white when you press it. If you brush your teeth too hard you could hurt your gums. A good guide is to check your toothbrush. If the bristles go flat within a few weeks then you are brushing too hard. Remember, good technique is mostly about placing the bristles in the right place, not about muscles. Be gentle.

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Sometimes good toothbrushing causes a little bleeding from the gum, exactly where the gum and tooth meet. This normally means that the toothbrush has cleaned a swollen piece of gum. That is exactly what will make that gum better! However, just check that you are not brushing too hard or causing bleeding in other parts of the mouth. Check with your dental professional if you are not sure.

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There are specific techniques to extend the function of people who have difficulties with dexterity, strength and muscle memory. Examples include sticking your toothbrush inside a foam tube or handle. Google them and try them out.

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If people choose not to brush their teeth, that is their decision and must be respected. However, sometimes people need help to make decisions and at other times people need to have decisions made with them in their interest. This happens when a person lacks capacity to make the decision. You can use the videos on this website and our handouts to help inform the person and others of what is involved. If it is decided to not brush someone’s teeth, it is important that the benefits and negatives are carefully balanced to come to the best decision with or for the person.

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Yes, these videos are suitable for adaptation with children. Just use what works.

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Interdental cleaning and flossing are crucial parts of mouthcare. We encourage all people to do this regularly. If you have teeth, you should clean between them with floss. If the gaps are bigger, use interdental cleaners. This should be done regularly.

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The sugar that causes tooth decay comes from your diet. Every time you eat or drink your teeth are under attack from acids. Avoid snacks between meals and sugary drinks. If you must eat sweet food do this at mealtimes and if you must snack, go healthy. Milk and water are great drinks. Watch out for hidden sugars – they are in lots of seemingly healthy foods.