Everything you ever wanted to know about teeth (but were afraid to ask the dentist)

How often should you brush your teeth? What kind of toothpaste should you use? And is mouthwash a good idea?

Once, it was a simple question of up and down or round and round. Today, toothbrushing – a basic ritual of personal hygiene – is fraught with decisions: Should you use an oscillating electric brush, or a giant, rubber-flanged monster brush? Is it worth investing in mouthwash, or is tap water just as good?

The main reason we brush our teeth is to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that grows on their surface. Some of these bacteria produce substances that irritate the gums. Others convert sugar into acid, which erodes the teeth. Bacteria also produce stinky substances that cause bad breath. But with so many potential ways of removing plaque from our mouths, how do we you know what is best for your teeth? Here’s the latest scientific evidence.

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from Health & wellbeing | The Guardian http://ift.tt/1PZGMpC
via health