The importance of regular dental check-ups cannot be overstated. Detecting early signs of health issues such as cavities, gingivitis, and diabetes can make a significant difference in overall health.
Why practice teeth care tips at home?
Sometimes unavoidable circumstances lead to delayed dental care, but practicing good dental hygiene at home can bridge the gap until the next visit to the dentist.
Getting rid of plaque is crucial in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Plaque is a film of bacteria that sticks to the teeth and releases acid when consuming food and drinks, and its accumulation leads to cavities, gum disease, and other oral infections.
Tartar is the hard form of plaque that dentists remove during cleanings using a technique called scaling, which is not to be attempted at home.
Tips for healthy teeth and gums – all from the comfort of your own home!
To prevent plaque buildup, it’s recommended to brush teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes. Regular toothbrush replacements every three to four months, daily interdental cleaning with string floss or floss picks, water flossers, and using therapeutic mouthwash that contains ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride, essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, thymol), fluoride, or peroxide are essential steps in maintaining good oral hygiene.
Drinking water with fluoride and chewing sugar-free gum also contribute to protecting teeth and gums from decay and disease.
For those who find it challenging to hold things, have arthritis or similar conditions, or want to ensure they brush long enough, an electric toothbrush with a timer feature is a useful alternative.
Bleeding gums are not uncommon when starting flossing, but if it persists, it could be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease and should be reported to a dentist. As for tongue scraping, while there’s no scientific evidence to support the claim that it helps remove germs causing bad breath, there’s nothing wrong with cleaning your tongue using a toothbrush or a special scraper.
Some natural and herbal products such as baking soda, peroxide, green tea, eucalyptol, menthol, tea tree oil, xylitol gum, lozenges, and Vitamin D can aid in cleaning teeth and fighting tooth decay, but their effects vary and should be carefully studied before use.
Here are a few more Dental Health Tips that will help you maintain good teeth and gums
- Avoid using tobacco products like cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipes, or cigars.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Use lip balm that has sunscreen.
- Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a fairly recent phenomenon, and their long-term health effects are still unknown. However, it is well-known that e-cigarette vapor contains carcinogenic substances.
- Finally, a dental checkup provides an excellent opportunity for your dentist to examine for signs of oral cancer.
In conclusion, keeping up with regular dental check-ups and practicing good oral hygiene habits can make a significant difference in overall health and prevent serious health issues.
Although you may brush or floss your teeth diligently, only a dental professional can effectively remove plaque and help you to maintain a good overall dental and oral health.
To maintain an active oral care maintenance routine, book an appointment with our Friendly Dentist in Molonglo Valley. Contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
