10 Tips for Preventative Dental Care
This week we give you a refresher on how to maintain good oral hygiene with 10 tips for preventative dental care.
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Brush twice a day
Brush your teeth in the morning and at night to prevent acid build-up caused by bacteria breaking down food. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating anything can also help minimise acid build up.
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Clean your tongue
Bacteria collects on your tongue as well as between your teeth, so using a tongue scraper or brushing the back of your tongue with a toothbrush as part of your brushing routine is recommended to maintain oral hygiene and keep halitosis at bay.
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Floss
There are places where your toothbrush can’t reach and these are often the places where plaque tends to collect. Floss is crucial for removing plaque between the crevices of your teeth. Remember: brushing your teeth is only 50% of the job!
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Avoid soda, coffee and alcohol
Aside from staining your teeth, the amount of phosphorus in these products can deplete the body’s calcium levels and cause dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
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Change your toothbrush once every three months
To keep your teeth clean, you need tools that are in good working order. Toothbrush bristles tend to fray and wear down over time and become less effective at removing plaque. It’s recommended that you replace your toothbrush once every three months to prevent this, and also change your toothbrush after periods of sickness.
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Don’t snack on sugary foods
If you want to eat sugary foods, eat them at mealtimes when your body is producing sufficient saliva to neutralise and buffer the acids.
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Stay hydrated
Drinking water helps promote the production of saliva, which helps the mouth fight germs and neutralises acids.
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Maintain a healthy diet
Eat a well rounded diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates and contains all the essential vitamins (calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B, copper, zinc, iodine, iron and potassium) necessary for healthy teeth and gums.
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Reduce your risk of oral cancer
Avoid tobacco and alcohol to reduce your risk of oral cancer.
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Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups
You should visit your dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and clean. Regular check-ups help ensure dental problems are diagnosed and treated early, whilst professional cleaning removes plaque build-up that regular brushing is unable to shift.
Eden Rise Dental is a Berwick based dentist offering cosmetic and general dentistry solutions for the whole family. Book your next appointment with us today by calling (03) 9702 6111.