Dental Health Week is fast approaching — here’s how to take care of your teeth and gums.
Dental Health Week, from 5-11 August, draws attention to the importance of oral health. This year, dentists and dental practices are being urged to ask their patients the all-important question: “How’s your oral health tracking?” The idea behind Dental Health Week is to remind people about the importance of brushing and flossing, as well as good nutrition and regular dental check-ups.
Why is good oral health important?
While most of us know how important it is to practice good oral hygiene, recent figures revealed that many people do not value dental health as much as they should. Figures from Australia’s Oral Health Tracker, an initiative of the Australian Health Policy Collaboration and the Australian Dental Association (ADA) revealed that just 51 percent of adults brush their teeth every day, and 25.5 percent of people over the age of 15 have untreated tooth decay.
A good oral health routine is essential, not just for oral health, but for overall health as well. Regular and thorough brushing and flossing help to prevent tooth decay and other issues. Bacteria and plaque often accumulate at the join between the teeth and gums, so it is important to focus on this area when brushing. Also, proper brushing should take between two and three minutes each time and should be done at least twice a day.
When it comes to flossing, try and make it a part of your routine, as it is the most effective way to remove plaque from hard-to-reach places in the mouth. Plaque build-up can lead to inflammation and gum disease, as well as a range of other health issues.
How does good nutrition help?
Nutrition can have a significant impact on your overall wellbeing, as well as your oral health specifically. You should ideally try and eat a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients, such as calcium and phosphorous.
We recommend that you try and limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, like soda, candy and sweetened fruit juices as these have little nutritious value and can contribute to the development of tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria come into contact with sugars in the mouth, leading to the production of harmful acids that can damage the teeth.
It is also important to note that if you eat a diet that lacks nutrients, it may be more difficult for your body to fight infections. In fact, research suggests that periodontal disease tends to progress faster in individuals who do not eat a nutritious diet.
How often should I see the dentist?
We recommend that you come in for a regular check-up and clean every six months. By coming in on a regular basis, you will be able to maintain good oral health and, in many cases, it is possible to avoid complex treatments and complications.
When your dentist performs an oral examination, they will assess your overall oral health and be able to treat any concerns you have with your teeth and gums. By examining your teeth and gums, your dentist will be able to let you know what the condition of your oral health is like and make any necessary recommendations that could help improve your situation. If you require any treatments, your dentist will explain the issue to you, and tailor a treatment plan based on your specific needs.
If you would like to find out more about exactly what to expect at a dental check-up, you can download our free guide here.
If you would like to make sure that your oral health is on track in time for Dental Health Week, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange a consultation. We offer dental services for the whole family, so why not bring the kids in to see us too?