Oral Hygiene
Most of us learn when we are children that cleaning our teeth helps prevent tooth decay. However, toothbrushing is only one way to keep healthy teeth and reduce the risk of several dental problems. Dedicating a small amount of time to looking after your teeth can have significant, life-long benefits.
Why is it important to keep teeth clean and healthy?
Tooth enamel does not regenerate once it decays. The only thing we can do once a tooth has begun to decay is to remove it and treat and restore the affected teeth.
We can restore an affected tooth with fillings, crowns, veneers and bridgework however once a tooth decays, it is never as strong as it once was. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to prevent tooth decay from occurring.
How can I keep my teeth healthy?
Brushing and flossing twice each day, using a fluoridated toothpaste, and seeing your dentist every 6 months, will help to prevent cavities from forming.
Your diet can have a huge impact on your oral health try to eat a healthy diet which is low in sugar and remember that some food may contain sugar even though you can’t taste sugar.
How often should I brush my teeth?
Brush twice each day, preferably in the morning after breakfast and before going to bed at night. Use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Tilt your toothbrush to a 45-degree angle so that you brush your gums as well. Brush your teeth gently in circles and make sure you brush the inside, outside and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Spit out the toothpaste, don’t swallow it and avoid rinsing — this gives the fluoride more time to strengthen your teeth. Ideally, wait around 30 minutes after eating and drinking to brush your teeth.
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What are the risks of not brushing?
Dental diseases don’t just lead to cavities. It can lead to gum disease, bad breath, tooth loss, diabetes, premature labour, oral cancer and a range of chronic diseases. Dental care can be scary, particularly when fillings and restorations are necessary. The best way to avoid them is through good oral health practices.
What is flossing?
You need to use floss or interdental brushes to clean the spaces your toothbrush can’t reach. Food left in between the gums and teeth can cause inflammation and changes to the way gum tissue attaches to teeth and bone. You should aim to floss twice a day before brushing your teeth.
How do I look after my baby and children's teeth?
Take your child to see the dentist for the first time when they have their first tooth or when they turn one — whichever comes first.
For babies, use a soft moist cloth to wipe gums. Start brushing their teeth with water only as soon as their first tooth erupts. Toddlers’ teeth can be brushed twice a day using a soft children’s toothbrush and a mild fluoride children’s toothpaste. Children over 6 years can use adult-strength fluoride toothpaste and brush. They only need to use a small amount of toothpaste — the size of a pea. They don’t need to rinse; they only need to spit out excess toothpaste.
Children under 9 should be supervised and helped while they are learning to brush their teeth.
What happens to my teeth as I age?
Caring for our teeth is just as important as we age. Healthy gums have a direct influence on being able to retain our teeth as we get older. Though inevitably our teeth and gums will change as a result of wear and tear good oral hygiene will help avoid gum recession, tooth erosion and loss which are common conditions with advancing age.
Healthy, pink and firm gums reduce the risk of tooth and bone loss. Daily brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups help to maintain oral health throughout your life.
When should I see my dentist?
See your dentist every 6 months, regular check-ups help with early detection of decay and other problems. Addressing problems early is always easier and has a much higher chance of success. See your dentist immediately if you have toothache, facial swelling, sensitivity with eating and drinking or trauma to your teeth.
How will my dentist clean my teeth?
Your dentist will use professional equipment to remove tartar and plaque build-up around and in-between your teeth. As hard as we try there will always be plaque which can only be removed by a dentist. Your teeth will be polished, and a fluoride treatment applied. If your dentist detects any concerns, they may take an X-ray of your teeth and discuss a treatment plan.