Many oral health issues can be prevented with the right habits and know-how.
When it comes to maintaining optimal oral health, there are a number of habits that should form part of your routine. With the right information and techniques, it is possible to prevent a range of issues, including tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease. Read on to find out what you should know about taking good care of your teeth and enjoying a healthy smile in the long-term…
1. Proper technique is key
It’s no secret that regular brushing and flossing are essential when it comes to keeping the teeth and gums in good condition. But, to really optimise your oral health, it’s important that you master your hygiene techniques.
To brush your teeth properly, choose a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line and move your toothbrush in small circles or short strokes up and down. Be sure to brush gently so that you don’t damage your enamel. Don’t forget to brush your tongue every time that you brush your teeth in order to get rid of bacteria that may have accumulated.
When it comes to flossing, take your time to ensure that you clean between all of your teeth. If you are not sure whether your technique is correct, chat to your dentist at your next check-up — they will be able to provide you with tips and a demonstration.
2. Don’t rush your routine
It’s important to remember that proper oral hygiene takes time. Plaque, which is a sticky substance that clings to the surface of the teeth, needs to be removed regularly and this requires at least two minutes of brushing, twice a day.
Start your routine by flossing, making sure to move the floss between each of your teeth. Next, don’t rush through the brushing process — rather make sure that you clean all the surfaces of the teeth, as well as along the gumline. You might consider using a mouthwash after you have brushed your teeth — this will help to get rid of any leftover debris and leave your breath smelling fresh.
3. Start good habits early
If you have children, it is important that you set a good example for them, and teach them good oral hygiene habits from a young age. Children are particularly prone to tooth decay because the enamel on baby teeth is more vulnerable than adult’s enamel. For this reason, you should brush their teeth for them until they are able to do so themselves. It is also a good idea to encourage healthy eating from a young age, and to limit your little one’s intake of sugary drinks and foods.
We recommend that our patients bring their children in to see us from a young age, so that they become familiar with our practice. This will also reduce the risk of dental anxiety as they get older.
How can we help?
At Crookes & Jenkins Dental, we take a preventative approach to oral health and encourage all of our patients to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. We are available to answer questions that you might have regarding your lifestyle, diet and oral health, and are happy to provide you with any information that you need.
We also encourage our patients to come in and see us for regular check-ups and cleans. This allows us to identify any issues at an early stage and can help to prevent a range of more serious problems from occurring.
If you would like to find out more about our services, which include preventative, cosmetic, restorative and children’s treatments, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange an appointment, get in touch with us here or give us a call on 07 3367 1122. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you to achieve and maintain a healthy smile.