Different stages of life may call for different approaches to dental health, as our needs change as we get older. However, the fundamentals remain the same. Let’s take a closer look at some of the daily essentials for better oral hygiene.
The best way to brush
Brushing is the most effective way to remove bacteria and plaque - a sticky film that builds up on the surface of your teeth. A build-up of plaque can cause gum disease (inflamed gums) and tooth decay. It’s important to remove plaque by brushing your teeth every morning and night. When brushing your teeth, make sure to:
- brush for two minutes, cleaning the teeth in a circular motion
- brush every tooth and make sure to clean the outer, inner and biting surfaces of your teeth
- brush right up to the gum line
- avoid rinsing with water straight after brushing, as this can flush away the fluoride in your toothpaste
- brush your tongue, to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh
Electric toothbrushes can be helpful to maintain good oral health by effectively removing plaque and bacteria.
Five tips for good oral health
1.Use the right toothpaste
There are many brands of toothpaste on the market today, but no matter which you choose, make sure it contains fluoride. Fluoride is the main ingredient in toothpaste that fights against tooth decay, providing a barrier to protect the surface of the teeth. Your toothpaste should contain 1,350 to 1,500ppm of fluoride. You can find out the amount of fluoride in toothpaste by reading the back of the packet.
2.Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is hugely beneficial to your oral health, especially if you drink a glass of water after each meal.
Whenever we eat, we subject our teeth to all kinds of potentially tooth-harming substances. These include acidic, sticky and abrasive ingredients, and of course sugar - all of which can lead to the production of bacteria and plaque. Water will help wash away food build-up and bacteria. It also helps to neutralise acids in your mouth which can help to prevent erosion of enamel (hard outer layer of your teeth).
3.Eat the right foods
Tooth-friendly foods include fresh and crunchy vegetables such as celery and carrots. These foods contain vitamins that can help repair your tooth enamel. They can also help produce saliva which neutralises bacteria and maintains a healthy pH balance in the mouth.
Foods high in calcium, such as yogurt, milk and cheese can also help to strengthen your teeth and bones.
Eating sugary foods regularly can harm your teeth. Sugar feeds the bacteria which produces plaque, which can eventually lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.
Limit the amount of sugar in your diet for better oral health. When you do consume sugar, make sure you brush and floss afterwards.
4.Clean between your teeth
Cleaning between your teeth is a step people often miss. You can clean between your teeth using dental floss or interdental brushes. This can help to remove plaque and food that your toothbrush can’t reach.
You should clean between your teeth at least once a day. Make sure to clean between each tooth, including the back teeth. It’s also important to clean around any crowns or implants. Your dental professional can help you to select the right size of interdental brushes.
5.See a dentist or hygienist regularly
While daily habits are vital to maintain good oral health, we still need regular trips to the dentist. Make sure you visit your dentist and hygienist regularly and take any advice on board.
Your dentist can check for cavities or signs of gum disease that we can’t do at home. By making regular trips to your dentist, any potential issues with your teeth can be spotted quickly and treated straight away.
