Tempting as it is to think that pressing harder on your teeth equals a
better clean, the fact is that too much pressure can damage your gums
and tooth enamel. If the bristles are wearing out on your toothbrushes
well before the three-month mark, you’re pressing too hard and you
should ask your dentist to show you a less damaging technique.
Replacing your brush, whether manual or powered, should take
place when the bristles start to spread apart, or every three months,
whichever comes first.

While there are a lot of toothpastes on the market, you should choose
one that contains fluoride. When added to toothpaste, fluoride
strengthens teeth, making them more resistant to attacks from sugar
and acid, thereby preventing decay. Fluoride can also help remineralise
(heal or reverse) early decay. Depending on your risk of dental decay
your dentist will recommend a type of toothpaste best suited to you.

Fluoride toothpaste for children
Unless it’s recommended by your dentist, the general consensus is
that you shouldn’t use toothpaste when cleaning the teeth of children
under 18 months of age. Instead, use a small soft toothbrush and
simply use tap water to wet the brush. Use a pea-sized amount of low
fluoride toothpaste (sometimes labelled junior or children’s) for children
aged 18 months to six years. Adults should always supervise children
brushing their teeth until the age of eight to ensure they don’t swallow
the toothpaste.

Fluoride toothpaste and risk of tooth decay
If you’re a person at high risk of developing tooth decay, your dentist
may recommend you use a higher strength fluoride toothpaste.
You may be deemed a person of ‘high decay risk’ if:
• you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment (braces)
• your diet is high in sugar or acid
• you have difficulty brushing your teeth due to arthritis or a disability
• you have ‘Dry Mouth’, or low amounts of saliva
• you’re living in an area without fluoridated water.