Over the course of a lifetime your teeth have a major role to play in your general wellbeing. They facilitate eating and speech, while their positioning also helps retain the shape of the face and the jaw.
Protecting these hardworking teeth against cavities, disease and deterioration all comes down to routine and vigilance.
Here our top tips to ensure you maintain the best possible dental hygiene and give your teeth the best care throughout their long and busy life.
Brushing
When it comes to brushing, it’s all about routine and technique. Teeth should be brushed at least twice daily, and this is no cursory, quick swish.
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes and involves paying attention to all areas of the mouth, especially those hard to reach places. If you’re looking for a tried and tested technique, start with the outside of your top teeth and bottom teeth, then move onto the inside surface, before brushing the chewing surfaces.
The brushing should be gentle, yet firm and take in the gumline, using a sweeping action to remove debris from this area.
You can also brush the surface of your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.
Your toothbrush
The type of toothbrush you use comes down to preference, but generally soft, small-headed brushes are best for removing plaque and debris. The small head also makes it easier to access hard to reach places where plaque and bacteria can build up.
Importantly you need to change your toothbrush regularly – about every three months or when it begins to show wear.
Floss daily
In addition to regular brushing, flossing should also be part of your daily routine. Flossing allows you to remove plaque, food residue and bacteria from between your teeth, and this is critical in the fight against cavities.
Correct flossing sees you creating a C shape around each tooth as you gently push and pull, and move the floss up and down against the side of the tooth.
Dental check-ups
Dental check-ups are critical in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, and as a minimum you should see your dentist once a year.
This check-up and clean allows your dentists to spot any emerging issues and do something about them before they become a significant problem.
Issues like decay and gum disease are preventable but if left untreated can lead to significant pain and dental work down the track, so the sooner your dentist has the opportunity to deal with them the better.
About Brite Dental
Brite Dental is a community-focused dental practice, committed to ensuring you and your family receive the highest quality of care in a warm and professional environment.
Offering a full range of dental services, ranging from children’s dentistry through to high-end cosmetic dentistry, we are conveniently located in central Panania.
You can learn more about our dental services here, or contact us to book your next appointment.
