Common oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease are preventable with proper dental care. Follow these easy tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Brush regularly but gently, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing too vigorously can damage your teeth and gums.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to help protect your teeth against tooth decay. After brushing, don’t rinse as this will leave a thin layer of protective fluoride coating your teeth for longer.
- Floss daily as your toothbrush cannot clean the contact areas between your teeth. Leaving these areas uncleaned means leaving approximately one-third of your tooth surfaces dirty.
- Book regular dental exams. Most people need to see us every six months for regular check-ups.
- Don’t smoke or try to quit. Smoking makes it harder for your oral tissues to fight disease, increasing the risk of gum disease. It also gives you bad breath.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash if you like to use a mouth rinse, as this will help control dental plaque.
- Don’t consume too many sugary and starchy foods, especially between meals, as these increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Drink water instead of fizzy drinks or sweetened fruit juice. Water is also the best way to quench your thirst.
