Dental Hygiene Treatments Leicester

Achieving healthy teeth and gums takes a lifetime of care. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, it’s crucial to take the right steps every day to take care of them and prevent problems. This involves getting the right oral care products, as well as being mindful of your daily habits. However, oral health is about more than cavities and gum disease. Research has shown that there is an association between the health of a person’s mouth and their overall health.

Our team at 33 Dental have put together 11 steps for success in optimising your dental hygiene and overall health:

Don’t Go To Bed Without Brushing Your Teeth

It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.

Brush Properly

The way you brush is equally important — in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Un-removed plaque can harden, leading to calculus build-up and gingivitis (early gum disease). Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage tooth enamel and the gums. The effects of this may include tooth sensitivity, permanent damage to the protective enamel on the teeth, and gum erosion. We recommend using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Toothbrushes should be changed every 3 months or when the ends start to look frayed, whichever comes first.

Don’t Neglect Your Tongue

Plaque can also build up on your tongue. Not only can this lead to bad mouth odour, but it can lead to other oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth.

Use A Fluoride Toothpaste

When it comes to toothpaste, there are more important elements to look for than whitening power and flavours. No matter which version you choose, make sure it contains fluoride.

While fluoride has come under scrutiny by those worried about how it impacts other areas of health, this substance remains a mainstay in oral health. This is because fluoride is a leading defence against tooth decay. It works by fighting germs that can lead to decay, as well as providing a protective barrier for your teeth.

Treat Flossing As Important As Brushing

Many who brush regularly neglect to floss. Flossing is not just for getting those little pieces of food that may be getting stuck in between your teeth. It’s also a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area. Flossing once a day is usually enough to reap these benefits. We recommend gently pushing the floss all the way down to the gum line before hugging the side of the tooth with up-and-down motions. It is important to avoid snapping the floss up and down between the teeth, which can cause pain and will not remove plaque as effectively.

Don’t Let Flossing Difficulties Stop You

Flossing can be difficult, especially for young children and older adults with arthritis. Rather than give up, look for tools that can help you floss your teeth. Ready-to-use dental flossers and interdental brushes can make a difference. Ask us at your next check-up for recommendations, we will be able to demonstrate some of these tools.

Consider Mouthwash

Advertisements make mouthwash seem necessary for good oral health, but many people skip them because they don’t know how they work. Mouthwash helps in three ways: It reduces the amount of acid in the mouth, cleans hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums, and re-mineralises the teeth. In children and older people, where the ability to brush and floss may not be ideal, a mouthwash is particularly helpful.

Ask us for specific mouthwash recommendations. Certain brands are best for children, and those with sensitive teeth. Prescription mouthwash is also available.

Drink More Water

Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. As a rule of thumb, drink water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.

Eat Crunchy Fruits And Vegetables

Ready-to-eat foods are convenient, but perhaps not so much when it comes to your teeth. Eating fresh, crunchy produce not only contains more healthy fibre, but it’s also the best choice for your teeth. So try to avoid the overly mushy processed stuff, don’t cut things into tiny pieces, and get those jaws working!

Limit Sugary And Acidic Foods

Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can also wear down tooth enamel. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.

Finally, See Your Dentist Regularly

Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist regularly. At minimum, you should see your dentist for cleanings and check-ups at the recommended interval they advise. For most of our patients we recommend 6 monthly check ups. However, adults who practice good dental hygiene every day and have a low risk of oral health problems may be able to go less frequently. Not only can a dentist remove calculus (hardened plaque) and look for cavities, but they will also be able to spot potential issues and offer treatment solutions.