Our top 5 tips to a healthy mouth

Posted on 09.2.16 By Alf Le

We understand that life gets busy and sometimes looking after ourselves can take the backseat for a while. We may forget to brush our teeth as we run out the door for a busy day or maybe it’s been a week since you flossed and that piece of steak stuck between your teeth is now the last of your worries? With that in mind, we have compiled our top five tips to a healthy mouth.

Oral Hygiene

tidy-teeth-1-1425487-640x480Good oral hygiene is the first step to an overall healthy mouth, but what does this entail and how can we achieve it?

Well firstly, regular brushing is imperative. This is the first step to removing all of the leftover food and debris we accumulate from eating. If we don’t brush after meals then plaque (a film that holds millions of bacteria) builds up and over time it hardens into tartar. Plaque and tartar are what cause tooth decay and gum disease. So regular brushing helps to remove this plaque and the germs that cause these problems.

When brushing it is important to ensure that all surfaces of the teeth and gums are gently scrubbed and that we spend some time giving our tongue a good clean as well.

The next step in maintaining good oral hygiene is flossing. Brushing alone only cleans three out of five surfaces of your teeth. Only flossing cleans the remaining two. It not only cleans the hard to reach surfaces between your teeth but also helps to maintain healthy gums. It is generally recommended that we should be flossing once a day at night before bed with your along with your brushing routine.

 

Be mindful of what you are eating

candies-1177401-639x430In this day and age, processed and sugary food and beverages are everywhere. We consume them daily and although we are aware of the health issues it can cause, it is good to remember the damage that it can do to our teeth and gums as well. Sugary food increase plaque formation placing you at higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Acidic food, including some fruits are also something we need to be aware of. If we are consuming too much acidic food or drinks then it can soften the enamel exposing them to wear, erosion and decay.  

It is best not to brush immediately after having something acidic as your teeth are more likely to be weakened at the time. The best thing to do is it to rinse with water and wait at least half an hour after eating before brushing your teeth.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Not only can alcohol and tobacco products affect your overall health, they also play a part in your oral health. Alcohol can decrease saliva production, resulting in a dry mouth which is a cause of tooth decay. Saliva contains proteins and minerals that help to protect your tooth enamel, prevent decay and gum disease. Tobacco use can raise the risk of oral cancer and other diseases, this can be detrimental to not only your oral health but also your general health. The nicotine in tobacco raises the chance of developing gum disease and inhibits the gum tissue from fighting infection.

Protect your teeth

A lot of us are involved in sports, whether It be recreational or professionally. With this being said, it is crucial to protect your teeth during contact sports. Wearing a custom made mouthguard from your dentist is the best way to prevent injuries to your teeth, jaw and gums that may be caused from a blow to the mouth. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs impact, protects the gums from laceration and cushions the jaw from impact whilst playing sports.

Regular maintenance visits

Waiting roomIt is recommended that you see your dentist every six months to have a comprehensive check-up and professional clean. You still need to brush and floss daily between visits, as this will help to prevent any issues occurring during these periods. Brushing and flossing your teeth removes the majority of plaque but over time we a build-up of tartar is inevitable. This hardened dental plaque is impossible to remove by general brushing. If this is left on your teeth, it gradually worsens and can start to cause tooth decay and inflamed gums. Your dentist uses special instruments that cleans away the tartar under and around the gums and will then polish your teeth.

We only have one set of adult teeth and by following our 5 top tips you’re well on the way to minimising dental issues and keeping your smile for life.

How your diet affects your teeth

Posted on 11.9.15 By Alf Le

saladThere are lots of things we can do that help maintain good oral health. But did you know that the food you eat also has a big impact on your teeth?

We all know that sugary foods like lollies are a major cause of dental decay. But that doesn’t mean they have to be cut out of your diet altogether. Moderation is the key, and combined regular brushing, flossing and scheduled six monthly dental checks. The occasional snack is unlikely to cause major issues.

There are certain things we need to be mindful of.

Fruits

Citrus fruits although a rich source of vitamin and nutrients—are good for you in many ways, but not when it comes to your teeth. They are highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time.

lollies-4-1057255Lollies and Sweets

Foods that take a long time to chew or that you hold in your mouth (such as sticky lollies) can damage teeth as they retain sugar in the mouth longer than other foods.

The more sugary the food the more damage it can cause. Bacteria feeds off this sugar to make acid. This dissolves the protective layer of tooth enamel and is the cause of tooth decay.

Hard Lollies have the added risk that they can chip your teeth.

Soft Drinks

It’s no secret that drinking sugary soft drinks can cause tooth decay. What’s less well known is that the acids found in these drinks can harm teeth even more than the sugar. So even sugar-free soft drinks like Diet Coke are bad for your teeth because they erode your tooth enamel if consumed in large doses.

Sports Drinks

Unfortunately sports drinks won’t do your teeth any favours either. They are highly acidic too, and are potentially even more damaging to teeth. Leaving your teeth sensitive, weaker and more prone to decay.

Remember that timing is everything

A diet that promotes good oral health is not just about the foods you eat or avoid. When and how you eat is equally important. Set meals rather than snacking all day is far better for you. It means less time that food is in contact with your teeth and less opportunity for the bacteria that causes decay to damage them.

fruits