Nobody likes having to make an unexpected trip to the dentist. Simple habits practised regularly and effectively have been a time proven way to prevent disease and keep the doctor away!
When it comes to teeth, thorough, regular oral hygiene practices can go a long way towards helping to prevent dental and oral disease. In addition to being mindful on grazing or sugary foods and drinks and keeping up with regular dental check-ups, the following tips can help keep healthy, bright smiles for life:
1. Brush every morning, ideally 30 minutes after breakfast
2. If brushing in the morning is important, brushing before bed is doubly important
3. Use a small headed soft tooth to avoid damaging tooth enamel and get into those hard to reach spaces
4. Start with your toothbrush at the back of your very back tooth using gentle circles along the gum line until you get to the back tooth on the opposite side
5. Then brush along the biting surface of the teeth
6. Don’t forget to also brush your teeth on the tongue/palate side, again starting from the back and working along the gum line
7. Use a toothpaste with fluoride, which has been shown to remineralise tooth enamel and prevent decay.
8. For added protection, spit the toothpaste out but don’t rinse with water before sleep. Residual toothpaste can help protect your teeth overnight,
A good lick is a simple way to check your brushing success. Plaque on your teeth leads to a furry feeling. Clean teeth will feel slippery and smooth with your tongue. So get brushing and licking to keep your teeth in tip-top shape for life.