So it’s a new year and perhaps you’re thinking about the changes you could make to your dental hygiene routine in order to maintain healthier teeth and gums?
Here are a few tips from us here at Cliftonville which will hopefully help you on your way to healthier teeth…
- Brushing – Although obvious to many, you’d be surprised at how many patients visit us claiming that they brush for the recommended time. You should be aiming to brush for 2 minutes twice a day minimum and brushing thoroughly. If you need advice about how to brush to cover all of your tooth surfaces, your dental hygienist here at Cliftonville will be happy to show you.
- Check-ups – You cannot rely on your own judgement when it comes to spotting dental health issues, as some can be symptomless as well as very difficult to spot without the right tools. This is what your dentist is there for! Adults should try to visit their dentist at least once a year, if not bi-annually so that potential problems can be caught before they develop into something more serious. Remember – preventative measures are better than restorative ones!
- Floss floss floss! It is recommended that you floss at least once a day. Food particles and bacteria can be difficult to remove from the gaps in your teeth and sometimes brushing alone cannot achieve this. Flossing helps you to cover all of your tooth surfaces, as some are neglected with brushing no matter how effective your brushing method is. If you are unsure about how to floss, please do not hesitate to make an appointment with the dental hygienist who will be happy to show you how.
- Do not substitute the dentist for the hygienist. Each of these people have equal importance in your check-up routine. A dental hygienist is responsible for deep cleaning your teeth when they become layered with plaque and tartar, an inevitable occurrence as you grow older. Without the removal of these substances, your tooth enamel will become permanently damaged and you could develop periodontitis. Your dentist is responsible for the general wellbeing of your teeth (as a GP is for your overall health).
If you would like further information on how to keep your mouth and teeth healthy, please do not hesitate to contact us.