Oral Hygiene
At Freshwater Dental we believe that prevention is better than a cure. Ignoring dental problems and letting them fester can result in many issues ranging from toothaches and swelling to gum disease and tooth loss. As a result our team takes a pro-active approach to promoting preventative care for all of our patients.
In order to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile it is essential to brush and floss your teeth daily and visit your dentist every six months. This dental visit allows us to make sure that there are no current issues, while looking out for any future problems that may occur.
Here are some tips for maintaining optimal oral health.
Brush twice daily – It is important to brush your teeth twice each day, in the morning and before you go to bed at night. To protect your gums and tooth enamel it is best to use a soft bristle toothbrush and brush at least 30 minutes after eating.
Use a fluoride toothbrush – By using a fluoride toothpaste you are helping to reduce the risk of tooth decay while strengthening the tooth’s enamel.
Floss once a day – If you currently do not floss your teeth, or regularly forget you are not alone. However by missing this crucial step you could be at risk of serious dental issues. While brushing your teeth is important, a toothbrush can’t reach all of the tight spaces in between your teeth and as a result you end up by missing almost 35% of the tooth surface. This allows for food particles and other debris to remain trapped and form into plaque. This plaque can then cause a myriad of issues including bad breath, gum disease and tooth loss.
Improve your diet – By cutting down on sugary and acidic foods you reduce the risk of cavities and protect your tooth enamel from erosion. Decrease the amount of lollies, soft drinks and other junk foods that you consume and instead replace them with fruits and vegetables.
Rinse your mouth after eating – While it is recommended that you don’t brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after eating, it is important to remove any food particles that remain in our mouth. Rinsing directly after eating will wash away bacteria and protect your enamel.
If it isn’t food, don’t chew it – Do you find yourself chewing on your pen while concentrating or opening difficult packets with your teeth. These habits can place great stress on your teeth and cause them to crack or chip.
Stop smoking – Smoking can result in teeth staining, gum disease and in more serious case cancer of the mouth, lips and tongue.
If you would like to book a dental check-up or would like to discuss how better to maintain your oral health please call reception on (02) 9905 2022
