When it comes to oral hygiene, everyone can afford to brush up a little. You may think your technique is fine until you go through it with a fine-toothed comb. Is your oral hygiene hitting the mark or are those stubborn stains trying to tell you something? We asked the dentists at Smiles Nambour for their top tips.
Here’s what our experienced dentists recommend for improved dental hygiene.
Use fluoride toothpaste
Before you even pick up your toothbrush, equip yourself with your best defense against plaque. Fluoride toothpaste fights decay-causing bacteria and provides a layer of defence against your teeth. For best results, avoid rinsing your mouth after brushing. This can wash away that barrier of fluoride you just built!
Fluoride is a divisive topic and some people choose not to use it. If you fall into this camp, please bear in mind that a) fluoride is recommended by dental experts (including our dentists in Nambour), and b) evidence shows that brushing with fluoride-free toothpaste will not prevent cavities.
Brush up your technique
If you fall into the trap of brushing side-to-side, you’re not covering the total surface area of your teeth. Your gums are also missing out! When brushing, brush in gentle circular motions that cover your tooth’s front- and back-facing surfaces. Also ensure, as your revolutions hit the 12 o’clock or six o’clock position (depending on whether you’re brushing the top or bottom row), that your gums get a clean, too.
Brush twice per day
The universal recommendation for brushing is twice per day. Ensure to brush for two minutes per session. A good rule of thumb is to brush after breakfast and before you go to bed!
Best oral hygiene tips recommended by the Dentist in Smiles Nambour
Floss once per day
Many people neglect to floss, thinking it’s just something you do when that stray piece of orange pulp gets stuck there. The reality is flossing is just as important as brushing, and flossing once per day should do the trick. Flossing does more than just remove the inevitable build-up that brushing alone cannot remove. It also stimulates the gums and lowers localised inflammation, as well as plaque.
Brush your tongue
If your mouth is a doorway and your food is a visitor, think of your tongue as the carpet. Your food has dirty shoes that are going to stain that carpet. So, why just concern yourself with your teeth? You’ll need to clean the floor, too.
Brushing your tongue removes the stains, plaque, and bacteria that accumulate there. It also prevents bad breath! If you drink a lot of tea or coffee, brushing your tongue is a must. You can just use your toothbrush, but for best results, find a toothbrush with a textured tongue cleaner behind the head. There are also tongue scrapers available that remove the stains further down your mouth.
Consider using mouthwash
Mouthwash is not a key ingredient of dental care, but it is a good supplement. Whilst some mouthwashes are built more for bad breath, antibacterial variants have been shown to prevent gum disease. We advise against using mouthwash directly after brushing as it can rinse away the fluoride you would have just applied to your teeth.
Book regular cleans and dental checkups in Nambour
Even with a stellar dental routine, it’s still important to visit the dentist at least once per year. The standard recommendation is six months. Getting an expert tick of approval is best for your mouth and your peace of mind. Dentists can also catch potential problems early and give advice for future dental care.
Our dental clinic in Nambour has everything you need for a clean bill of dental health. When was the last time you went to the dentist? If it’s been too long, that’s your cue to call us on (07) 5441 4438. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with us online.
There’s never been a better time to visit a dentist in Nambour. Enquire today.
