Look after your mouth today to ensure strong healthy teeth in the future.
We are all well aware of the old adage ‘prevention is better than cure’. Never has this been truer than with the health of your teeth.
Just as you would maintain your car with regular MOT’s or keep your body healthy with exercise and a good diet, caring for your mouth now really will pay dividends in your future oral health.
Put simply, you could help prevent advanced issues such as gum disease- the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
Brushing your teeth at home will never fully remove the daily build-up of plaque on your teeth. That’s why it’s important to visit the hygienist.
Our tips for a pro-active approach to your dental hygiene:
- We advise that you visit your Dentist regularly – at least once a year and normally twice (more if recommended) to:
- Check for cavities, problems with fillings and other restorative devices (crowns, bridges) and potential gum issues.
- Spot any changes which could indicate oral cancer.
- Apply sealants to protect your teeth if required.
You should visit your dentist even if you have a full denture as the health of your gums needs to be maintained.
We also promote regular visits to the Hygienist
At least once a year (more if recommended)
- For a deep clean of the mouth resulting in shinier teeth and fresher breath
- To remove plaque build-up and check for signs of gum disease
- To advise you on interdental devices for any problem areas.
- To advise you on diet and lifestyle and how it affects your oral health
- To answer any questions you might have
Be sensible about your diet
- Cut out sugary food and drinks including sweets, chocolate and fizzy drinks (or at least eat them in moderation).
- Try to avoid snacking throughout the day to give any acids in your mouth a chance to neutralise.
- Remember that acidic foods (wine, citrus fruits etc) can damage tooth enamel.
- Dark food and drink (red wine, coffee, berries) can stain your tooth enamel over time.
Maintain a good tooth cleaning routine at home
- Brush your teeth twice a day- every day!
- Remember to clean in between the teeth with floss and interdental brushes
- Mouthwashes can help to remove bacteria or with gum issues.
- Remember to also brush your tongue to help keep breath fresh
Educate children early
- Encourage them to brush their teeth twice as day as soon as they appear
- You will need to supervise any brushing until they are able to do this properly themselves (around 7-8 years of age)
- Pay attention to their diet and be aware of the amount of sugar contained in fruit juice, squash and fizzy drinks. Instead encourage milk, cheese and yoghurts for calcium.
- Register your baby with a dentist as early as possible.
- Take them for dental check-ups as soon as the first teeth appear (around 6 months).