Top Tips to Maintain Dental Hygiene
Practising good dental hygiene is critical to our overall health and wellbeing. Too often, people fall into poor dental habits, whether it’s not brushing their teeth before they go to sleep at night or neglecting to floss.
While you might think you’re only doing a small amount of damage to your teeth, decisions like this over a prolonged period can affect all aspects of your health.
Continue reading to discover top tips recommended by a Bondi Junction dentist to maintain your dental hygiene.
Brush your teeth twice a day
It may sound simple, but studies reveal that only 53 percent of Australian adults brush their teeth twice a day.
Brushing your teeth when you get up in the morning will help you start the day feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever comes your way. Brushing your teeth before bed at night is equally as critical as it provides the opportunity to remove plaque that has built up over the course of the day.
Brush using the correct technique
It’s not enough to simply squirt some toothpaste onto your brush and run it around your mouth a few times. There’s no point in brushing your teeth unless you do it properly.
Take your time brushing your teeth. Start with the outside surfaces and tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle to remove any trapped crumbs and plaque. Move to the inside of your teeth as well as the top chewing surfaces.
Don’t forget about your tongue! Unless you clean it regularly, odour-causing bacteria can build up on the tongue.
Floss regularly
Not everyone is taught to floss as a kid, which is a shame as it’s just as important as brushing. Flossing not only removes debris that has built up between teeth but prevents tartar from developing, reduces inflammation of the gums, and decreases the risk of gingivitis.
Most Bondi dentists recommend flossing at least once a day to get the full benefits.
Follow a healthy diet
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that what you eat and drink has a significant impact on your overall dental health. Foods and beverages rich in sugar will degrade your teeth, cause cavities, and may result in extractions.
Water is by far the best substance to drink for your dental health. Avoid processed and sugary foods as well as excessive tea and coffee, which can wear down enamel.
Visit your dentist regularly
A lot of people get nervous about visiting the dentist. However, the more often you go, the less likely you are to experience unplanned treatments that may be painful or expensive. You’ll also develop a great relationship with your Bondi Junction dentist and will come to be a lot more comfortable sitting in the chair.
How often you should visit the dentist depends on several factors, including your age and any pre-existing health conditions you have. Generally speaking, most Bondi dentists recommend making an appointment every 6 to 12 months.
If you have concerns about your general dental hygiene, book an appointment with a Bondi Junction dentist today to discuss how you can improve the health and wellbeing of your teeth, gums, and mouth.
