The first rule of prevention

Toothbrushing is where prevention begins; it’s the first building block for maintaining a lifetime of oral health. It is also how dental care is introduced to every patient, as soon as their baby teeth start to erupt. When dental practitioners visit nurseries and schools, their primary message is one of good daily brushing. Parents and carers should help, until the child has the required dexterity to hold and manipulate the brush themselves. Thereafter, brushing should continue to be supervised, until the parent or carer is confident that the job can be done independently.

From adolescence through to adulthood and old age, a patient’s dental needs will change, and their brushing routine should be adapted accordingly. For example, they may wear an orthodontic appliance for a period of time, or have a dental implant fitted. There are a lot of products for toothbrushing for them to choose from, marketed according to what need(s) they fulfil.