Healthy Oral Hygiene Tips
Establishing good oral hygiene and dietary habits has been proven to be essential to achieving and maintaining overall physical and emotional well-being throughout life.Taking care of your oral health is important but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. No matter how good (or not-so-good) your current habits might be, there’s something small that you can start doing today to improve the health of your teeth and gums for the long term. As well as visiting our dentists in Adelaide, this guide provides an overview of the many things you can do to keep your teeth looking and feeling great.
Daily Brushing
As we all know, brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential – after breakfast in the morning and before going to bed at night. Spend at least 2 minutes brushing, ensuring that all areas are cleaned – the inside, outside, and biting surfaces of each tooth. The key is to aim the toothbrush bristles directly at the gum line, rather than the top of the tooth, as this is where plaque starts to form. Gently move the toothbrush in a circular motion, which will clean away as much plaque from the gums as possible.
Follow the right diet
Try to reduce or eliminate the amount of sugary food and fizzy drinks you eat and drink. It converts to acid inside your mouth and can dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing decay and eventually holes (cavities). Acidic foods and drinks can also cause tooth erosion which causes tooth sensitivity, discolouration and cracks over time.
Avoid harmful habits
Establishing good oral hygiene is just one part of taking care of your smile. Protecting your teeth also involves avoiding harmful habits including:
- Smoking
- Using your teeth as tools
- Not using a mouthguard
- Brushing too hard
Getting Professional Cleanings
Another vital part of maintaining good dental health is getting regular professional cleanings. While maintaining oral health at home is essential, at Burnside dental our dentists in Adelaide will be able to clean your teeth more thoroughly with their specialised tools than you can at home.
Taking care of your oral health can ultimately save you time and money and prevent future oral issues. In addition to maintaining a daily oral health routine and avoiding habits that can harm your teeth and gums, it’s important to visit your dentist twice a year for a check-up and clean. A check-up and clean can help keep your teeth and gums healthy as well as help detect oral issues early on. If you are due for your 6 monthly check up, call our dentists in Adelaide on (08) 8364 2557 to book your appointment today!
