A healthy smile looks and feels great. Everyone knows it’s important to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top health. But is there more you could be doing? Follow our 11 simple tips to boost your oral health and hygiene, and you can enjoy a brighter, happier smile in no time. And remember -- if you’re looking for a great dentist to help you on your journey to better dental health, Dentists Near Me is here to help!
Are you brushing your teeth enough? Plaque forms on your teeth after every snack or meal, and harbours bacteria that damages tooth enamel. Not only can plaque harden into tartar over time, but it can also lead to cavities and gum disease. Avoiding this harmful buildup of bacteria is simple: remember to brush your teeth once in the morning, and once again before you go to bed at night.
It’s time to throw away your cheap toothbrush and invest in a good-quality one -- it’ll make a world of difference. A hard-bristled toothbrush may be painful on your gums and damage your enamel, so opt for one with soft, round bristles instead. Soft brushes work gently on your teeth without causing discomfort or pain to your gums. Also, crisscross bristles are great for getting rid of stubborn plaque in hard to reach places.
Flossing once a day is just as important as brushing -- if not more! Flossing removes the plaque and bacterial film that forms between the teeth and along the gum line. This can lead to gum disease and tooth loss in the future. Get into the habit of flossing your teeth every evening and your oral health (and dentist) will thank you.
Brushing and flossing takes care of your teeth, but what about the rest of your mouth? Your tongue, throat, palate, and gums need regular cleansing, too. Enter mouthwash. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing and flossing, and you will swiftly eliminate any remaining plaque. Whether you want to prevent cavities, freshen your breath, or fight gum disease, there a many mouthwashes available that are designed to do the job you need. Prefer keeping things natural? Make your own!
Crooked or misaligned teeth can be harder to clean, and therefore make it easier for plaque and tartar to build up. Braces are worn for around a year to a year and a half on average, but provide beautiful straight teeth that last a lifetime. These days there are a number of modern and discreet alternatives to traditional metal braces -- lingual braces, invisible, removable braces, and fast braces, to name just a few. Talk to your dentist in battersea at Chatfield Dental Centre to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for braces.
If you’re a smoker, you may want to pay serious consideration to the harm you’re doing to your oral health. Not only can smoking cause bad breath and yellow teeth, but it can also erode the gum and bone, and lead to gum disease and even tooth loss.
You should brush your teeth for at least a whole two minutes, paying careful attention to the gum line and the back teeth. Brush your teeth with the right technique to get the best results:
Just as it sounds, plaque-disclosing tablets highlight plaque on your teeth. They dissolve in your mouth and contain a harmless dye that reacts with the plaque. These tablets can be a useful tool to show up any plaque you may have missed on that first brush and floss. You can then clean your teeth a little more thoroughly.
Soda contains a lot of sugar that encourages the buildup of plaque, which in turn can lead to gum disease. It’s also very acidic and attacks the tooth enamel with every sip. Switch your soda for water -- it hydrates your whole body and promotes oral health.
A bacteria nest is essentially a hotspot for bacteria (your gum line, for example). Plaque is prone to building up in these nests. If left untouched, the plaque can form into stubborn tartar that can only be removed with a professional cleaning. Pay extra attention to your gum line when you’re brushing your teeth. Use rapid motions to break up the bacteria until your gum line is no longer sticky and feels clean.
You may think your teeth are fine, but your dentist is professionally trained to recognise dental issues that you may not be able to. Visiting your dentist for a checkup protects your dental health, and can nip any potential problems in the bud before they develop. A quick checkup once every six months therefore could save you a lot of time, money and hassle in the long run.
At your checkup, your dentist will:
Your dentist will also happily discuss any concerns you may have about your oral health, as well as give advice on how best to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Ready to book your dental appointment? Find the perfect dentist for you with Dentists Near Me! Whether you need a simple checkup, a Saturday appointment, or even emergency treatment, Dentists Near Me can provide you with easy access to skilled and experienced dentists in your local area. Start your search for the perfect dentist with Dentists Near Me today!
