The Dos and Don’ts of Good Oral Health

Taking good care of your teeth isn’t just beneficial for your oral health. It’s also important for your general health. Numerous studies have linked poor oral health to an increased risk of general health problems, including heart disease. If you’re keen to boost your oral health, here are some dos and don’ts to help you along the way:

DO:

Brush your teeth twice a day: it may sound obvious, but you’d be shocked at the proportion of people who don’t brush their teeth twice a day. If you don’t brush frequently enough, this can leave you vulnerable to decay and gum disease, and you may also develop bad breath (halitosis).

Floss: flossing is important because it cleans between the teeth, an area of your mouth you can’t reach with a toothbrush. Try and floss daily.

Swap your toothbrush every 3-4 months: using an old brush can prevent you from the getting the best out of tooth cleaning.

Set a timer: many people don’t brush for long enough. If you’re worried that you’re falling short of the 2-minute mark, set a timer on your watch or phone.

DON’T:

Brush too hard: normally, the more effort you put into something, the better the results. However, with brushing, it’s best to be gentle. If you brush too hard, this can damage your tooth enamel.

Snack: grazing through the day can be very damaging for your teeth. When you eat, your enamel softens, and it takes time for it to recover. If you snack all day, this means that your enamel is under constant attack, and your risk of decay and acid erosion will be higher.

Miss dental appointments: dental checks are really important, so try not to wait too long between appointments. Studies show that going to the dentist on a regular basis can reduce your risk of developing gum disease and decay by 60 percent. Ideally, we recommend 6-12 monthly checks for patients with good oral health and checks every 6 months for those who have a slightly higher risk of dental problems. If you have any issues, such as bleeding gums or toothache, between sessions, don’t wait for your next check-up. Give us a call and we’ll see you as soon as possible.