Maintaining Good Dental Health

Having good oral health is important to be able to eat and talk comfortably, smile confidently and be free of dental pain and common oral health conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth wear, dry mouth and tooth sensitivity. At Elysian Dental, we want you to have the best oral health possible and we aspire to provide a better dental experience for all our patients to ensure their oral health now and for the future. Let’s have a look at simple things you can do to help maintain excellent dental health.

Brush twice daily

The general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. While most people take the time in their morning to brush and floss, many of us neglect brushing our teeth at night. However, brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth and soft bristles which are kinder on the gums.

Brush thoroughly and properly

Your brushing technique is just as important as how often you do it. Don’t rush, tooth brushing should take between two and three minutes. Move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque, and ensure you brush the inside surfaces as well. Use a light back and forth motion on the chewing surfaces. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus build-up and gingivitis. Electric toothbrushes are also highly recommended.

Use a fluoride toothpaste

There are many toothpaste varieties on the market, no matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride. Fluoride fights germs and helps to harden tooth enamel, reducing your risk of decay.

Keep your toothbrush clean

Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing and store it in an upright position, allowing it to air-dry until it’s used again. Also try to keep it separate from other toothbrushes in the same holder to prevent cross-contamination. Unless travelling, try not to cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, this encourage the growth of bacteria.

Floss regularly

We should all floss once a day. Flossing helps to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation. Use a slow and gentle sawing motion, and don’t forget the back side of your last tooth. Flossing can be difficult, but there are many tools available in supermarkets and pharmacies to make the process easier.

Drink more water

Water is to be the best drink for your overall health, including oral health. Drinking water after each meal can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and drinks in between brushes.

Eat a balanced diet

Proper nutrition is necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Eating a well-balanced diet gives gum tissues and teeth the important nutrients and minerals needed to stay strong and resist infections.

While you don’t necessarily have to avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, you should be mindful to limit their consumption. Sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth and lead to cavities. Food acids soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, also causing cavities.

See your dentist at least twice a year

Looking after your teeth on a daily basis is crucial to your overall oral health, however no matter how often and how thoroughly you brush and floss, you still need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for a clean and check-up twice a year. Your dentist will remove calculus and look for cavities, and they will also detect potential issues and offer treatment solutions.

Ongoing proper dental hygiene and early detection of problems with your gums, teeth and mouth can help ensure a lifetime of good oral health. If you are concerned about your dental health or looking for a professional and friendly dental practice for you and your family, contact Elysian Dental today. A new dental surgery conveniently located in Armadale Shopping City, we strive to achieve dental service excellence while maximising patient comfort and satisfaction. Book an appointment today.