Dr Oh Xue Ling BDS (Adelaide)
Many lament thatachieving a healthy and good set of teeth is difficult and expensive. However,most dental problems can be prevented with proper home care and maintenance,aside from the regular 6 monthly visits to the dentist. Here are some tips forachieving that healthy smile.
- Brushing
We brush our teeth every day, yet not everyoneknows how to do so properly. These are some points you should take note of:
- Choose a softtoothbrush: to prevent damage to the teeth, and to allow gentle cleansingof gums.
- Use the righttechnique when brushing: Angle the toothbrush 45 degrees towards the gums,and brush in small circular motions. Always ask your dentist to demonstrate ifyou are unsure!
- Brushtwice a day, 2 minutes each time : to ensure all surfaces are brushed adequately, it is recommendedto spend 2 minutes brushing, once in the morning and once at night.
- Replaceyour toothbrush regularly: Ifyour toothbrush starts fraying (usually after 3-4 months), or after a majorillness, it is time to replace it.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride
There are many brands and types of toothpastein the market which can make it hard to choose. Regardless of the taste orpackaging, make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride helps defendagainst decay, strengthening the teeth.
- Use floss or other interdental products
Gaps in between the teeth are hard to becleaned with brushing alone. To ensure a good and thorough clean, it isrecommended to floss or use other interdental products to clean in betweenthose gaps.
If you are unsure of how to floss or use otherinterdental products, feel free to ask our dentists for a demonstration!
- Mouthwash
A mouthwash can be a useful tool to reduce gumdisease and dental decay, and they should be used in conjunction with goodbrushing and flossing. There are many types of mouthwash, ask your dentist fora recommendation if you are too overwhelmed by the choices!
- Be aware of what you eat
Reduce the quantity of sugary food and drinks,and keep snacking to a minimum! Each time sugar is introduced in the mouth,acid is produced, which causes decay.
Drinking plain tap water is best as it helpsto wash away the acids and keep your mouth moist.
- Visit your dentist regularly
Aside from all these previous tips, go forregular check-ups with your dentist so that any decay or problem can be caughtearly on. Tartar (or calculus) can only be removed using the tools in thedental clinic, so regular cleaning with your dentist will help ensure yourteeth and gums stay healthy.