For all the advances of modern dentistry, and the array of different types of toothpaste etc on the market these days, looking after your teeth and gums largely comes down to a basic good oral health regime. Naturally, our Staines dentists are here to help and also be on hand should anything go wrong, but there is a lot that the patient can, and should, do to keep their teeth and gums in good health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In today\u2019s blog, we are going to take a look at ten essential things that will help this and that we feel our local Staines patients should be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 - Correct brushing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of you reading this will hopefully brush your teeth regularly. There are a few things to note though when doing so. First of all, don\u2019t use a brush with worn bristles. This is less effective. Renewing your brush every three months or so is ideal. Make sure when you brush not to simply brush the flat surface but angle the bristles towards the gums to clean around the gum line too. Finally, there is no need to brush hard. Putting too much pressure can cause enamel erosion and reduce the protection for your teeth. Gentle circular brushing is all that is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 - Use dental floss<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Even the best brushing won\u2019t reach all food and bacteria and especially that which has become trapped between the teeth. This is an area where both tooth decay and gum disease often start. The best way to deal with this is to use dental floss. We are happy to show you how if you find this difficult. Flossing sticks and water flossers are also popular with some people, but, we believe, floss is the best (and cheapest) option and is worth persevering with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3 - Cut down on the snacking<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It isn\u2019t just that many snacks contain sugars, but the fact that we do this all too frequently. You may not be aware that each time we eat, the enamel of our teeth softens a little. By constantly snacking, the enamel doesn\u2019t have sufficient time to harden again before the next meal and can therefore wear away quicker. For this reason, you should also wait for at least half an hour after eating before you brush your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4 - Be aware of acidic food and drinks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The rise in \u2018energy\u2019 or \u2018sports\u2019 drinks has been a real problem in recent years. Not only are these high in sugar but are also highly acidic and can lead to enamel erosion which can then lead to sensitive teeth. These are best avoided altogether but even reducing them will help, as will drinking through a straw to reduce contact with the teeth. Regular \u2018fizzy\u2019 drinks such as colas have a similar effect as well. Stick to water where you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5 - Don\u2019t skip dental appointments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Six monthly appointments are the bedrock of preventative care. It allows the dentists at the Clarence Dental Practice to monitor your oral health, checking your teeth and gums for any issues and carrying out routine x-rays to ensure there are no issues below the gum line. Skipping an appointment can mean that a small cavity that has formed, and which would require a small filling, may need a larger filling or crown if you miss an appointment at our Staines dental clinic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 - See the hygienist<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Seeing the dentist for regular check ups is important, but seeing the hygienist should be on your list too. They play an important role in the prevention of gum disease especially, an issue that can lead to tooth loss if not addressed soon enough. They do this by offering advice on how to improve your home oral care and also providing a non invasive procedure known as a \u2018scale and polish\u2019 which removes hardened deposits, known as tartar or calculus, from the teeth and gum line and helps to keep your oral health in good shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7 - Remember that water is your friend<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only should water be drunk as your main beverage, but swilling or drinking water after a meal will help to remove larger pieces of food debris that might otherwise linger for several hours until you brushed them. Perhaps more importantly though, drinking water helps you to stay hydrated. This avoids the problem of a dry mouth which can cause rapid expansion of oral bacteria that can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis, i.e. gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n