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.

Do I really have to floss my teeth?

Posted on 12.16.15 By Alf Le

Dental Floss

Brushing your teeth twice a day is important for maintaining good oral hygiene, but did you know that daily flossing is equally important?

Dental floss helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay by getting rid of food and plaque from between your teeth. Areas that are inaccessible to your toothbrush.

How to use dental floss

There are many different types of floss that you can find at your local supermarket or pharmacist. Essentially there is no real difference in their effectiveness. It comes down to proper technique. Follow your dentist’s advice about using dental floss. If you use dental floss incorrectly, it can damage your gums.

Here are some tips

  1. Use a piece of floss about 30 cm long. Winding it gently around the middle fingers of each hand.
  2. Hold the floss with your thumb and forefinger of each hand so that the floss between your hands is about 2-5 cm long.
  3. Gently guide the floss up and down against the sides of the teeth and under the gum line stopping when you feel gentle resistance against the gum.
  4. Make sure you floss between every single tooth concentrating on sliding the floss along the sides of both teeth. Not just passing the floss through the gap.
  5. Flossing at night is better than flossing in the morning

What if my gums bleed?

Initially your gums may be tender and bleed a little as you start to get rid of any plaque build-up. Continue flossing your teeth and the bleeding should stop, as your gums become healthier.

If you notice continued bleeding after a few days, please don’t hesitate to call us on 1300 428 715, we will be more than happy to assist you with any questions that you may have.

Floss HolderWhat if I find flossing difficult?

If you find holding the floss difficult, you could try using a floss holder. Floss holders hold the floss making it easier to reach more difficult areas. You can buy these from pharmacists, supermarkets or come and see us at Redcliffe Smiles. We have a vast range or oral hygiene products that will help keep you smiling for life.