Consistency is everything when it comes to maintaining your oral health.
When it comes to maintaining the condition of your teeth and gums, there are a few habits that can help to keep your oral health on track. The key is to stick to good habits every day — practice proper oral hygiene, and make dietary choices hat benefit your overall health. Read on for our tips on keeping your smile in tip-top shape, and how we can help with the preventative care that we provide…
Don’t skip brushing
It is generally recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, and it is particularly important that you brush your teeth before bed every night. Even if you’re very tired, don’t skip this habit — cleaning your teeth at the end of the day helps to get rid of plaque, food particles and bacteria that may have accumulated. If left to build up on the teeth, plaque can harden and form tartar, which contributes to the development of gum disease. When you brush, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently move it in circular motions. You should brush your teeth for around two minutes each time.
Clean your tongue
While keeping your teeth clean is key when it comes to maintaining good oral health, it is also important that you don’t let plaque build up on your tongue. When plaque accumulates on the tongue, it can lead to a number of oral health issues, including bad breath. To keep your tongue clean and plaque-free, make a habit of brushing it every time you brush your teeth.
Floss every day
Brushing your teeth is a healthy habit, and flossing is just as important. When you floss your teeth, it’s possible to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth. The habit also helps to stimulate the gums and reduce inflammation. Try flossing once a day — it doesn’t matter whenyou do it, but make sure that your technique is correct and effective. If you’re not sure how best to floss, chat to your dentist for tips.
Eat and drink well
It’s best to avoid carbonated and sugary drinks as these can cause serious damage to the enamel of your teeth. Drink water instead — it’ll keep you hydrated and, when drunk after a meal or snack, it helps to wash away some of the detrimental effects of any sticky or acidic foods and drinks you have consumed.
When it comes to food, try to eat plenty of fresh and crunchy produce — celery, apples and cucumbers are all great choices as they are packed with fibre and help to keep the teeth clean. It is best to limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods as these can increase the risk of issues like tooth decay and cavities.
Visit your dentist
Besides practising proper oral hygiene on a daily basis, it is also advisable that you see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans. We encourage our patients to come in and see us every six months. This gives us the opportunity to remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line, and identify and resolve any potential oral health issues. By attending regular dental appointments, it is often possible to prevent problems like tooth decay and gum disease from occurring.
How can we help?
At My Dental Care @ West End, we offer a range of treatments, including preventative care. When you come in and see us, we can help to prevent, diagnose and treat a broad range of oral health issues. Besides check-ups and cleans, some of our general services include tooth-coloured fillings, children’s dentistry, treatment for bad breath, and oral cancer screenings.
To find out more about our general dentistry services, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here or give us a call on (07) 3846 2548.
