oral health goes beyond just regular dental check-ups. It’s about establishing good habits and routines that support the longevity and vitality of your teeth and gums. In honour of National Smile Month, here are our top oral health tips where we will explore some key practices to help you to maintain excellent oral health between visits to our practice.
- Brushing
Brushing is the golden rule of oral hygiene, yet it can be often overlooked. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, using a fluoride toothpaste and a medium bristled small headed manual toothbrush or a round headed osculating electric toothbrush. When you brush, make sure you cover all the surfaces of the teeth, this means the outside surfaces, biting surfaces and inside surfaces (where your tongue is). If using a manual toothbrush, use small circular motions and place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle half on the tooth and half on the gum. If you use an electric toothbrush this will do the work for you, you just need to hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle half on the tooth and half on the gum and sweep down the tooth to remove plaque. Use a timer to ensure you are brushing for the full 2 minutes, if timer goes off and you haven’t covered every surface keep going! When you have finished brushing, spit out the toothpaste and don’t rinse your mouth out with anything. This allows the fluoride in the toothpaste to remain on the teeth. If you want to use a mouthwash, use this at a separate time to brushing, such as after a meal to freshen breath and remove any food debris.
- Interdental Cleaning
Brushing alone only removes plaque from 60% of the tooth surface, this means it is really important to use interdental cleaning aids to remove food debris and plaque from between the teeth. Floss or interdental brushes can be used to clean between the teeth and our dentists and hygiene therapist will recommend which one is more suitable for your own personal use when you come in for your routine check-ups and hygiene visits. It is not uncommon to need to use a variety of sizes in interdental aids to clean between the teeth effectively. We recommend using floss or interdental brushes at least once a day, before brushing.
- Diet
What you eat affects more than just your waistline; it impacts your oral health too. Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, protein and dairy products will help to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks throughout the day as they can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion. Instead keep these types of foods and drinks to a minimum and enjoy as part of a main meal rather than snacking or sipping on them multiple times throughout the day. The water supply in our local area is fluorinated, which means that drinking only tap water throughout the day will help to strengthen the enamel of the teeth and prevent against decay as well as keeping you hydrated!
- Reducing Bad Habits
Most people are aware that smoking is bad for their health and it can be the cause of many different medical problems and diseases. However, many people do not realise the damage that smoking does to their mouth, gums and teeth. Smoking not only stains your teeth and contributes to bad breath, but it also increases your risk of gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your overall health and oral health. You can speak to your GP for stop smoking advice. Limiting your alcohol intake will also improve your oral health. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is one of the main risk factors that can cause oral cancers. Smoking and alcohol consumption together increase this risk even further. Alcohol that is fizzy or mixed with fizzy or sugary drinks can lead to increased levels of acid in the mouth which causes tooth erosion.
- Regular Dental Visits
Even if your teeth feel fine, it is crucial that you visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and hygiene visits. Professional cleans remove any plaque and tartar build up that brushing and interdental cleaning alone cannot remove. Plus, regular check-ups allow your dentist to detect any potential issues early on, before these issues become problematic, saving you on time, money and discomfort down the road.
By following these tips and making your oral health a priority in your routine, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. Remember, our dental team at here at Tyneside Dental are here to support you every step of the way, so do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Let’s work together to keep your smile bright and oral health in top shape!