Oral hygiene is the key to keeping teeth and gums healthy. We see so many patients who believe they are maintaining best practices when it comes to cleaning but actually have big holes in their practice. Oral health for the most part comes down to how we brush our teeth and can very easily be a really good way to prevent a whole list of dental problems. If you’re worried your oral hygiene routine isn’t up to scratch then this blog is for you. Our dental hygienist in Richmond has put together a simple but effective plan to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Brushing
Most patients are very aware that they should be brushing their teeth at least twice per day. Once after breakfast and once just before bed. We’d ideally recommend that you also give your teeth a quick once over after lunch and after you’ve eaten or drunk anything with a particularly high sugar or acid level.
It’s very common for patients to not be brushing their teeth for long enough - we all lead very busy, jam-packed days and spending time brushing is often neglected. You might think you’ve brushed for the full two minutes but it’s likely you’ve only done a minute or so. The hygienist in Richmond recommends that over the next month you set a timer whilst brushing to make sure you’re giving your teeth the time they need to properly dislodge any build-up. And if you want extra superstar points you can even set a timer every thirty seconds to check you are spending enough time on each quarter.
Technique
Isn’t it funny that often when we see people brushing teeth in films or on television they just use that simple back and forth motion? When this is not best practice. To ensure a good clean you need to use circular motions over the full 360’ of the tooth. Through the use of circular strokes, you are more likely to dislodge any build-up of germs and bacteria.
Flossing
Oh yeah - flossing. How many times have we bought floss and it’s gone left unused in the bathroom cabinet? We’re all guilty of it. Flossing can feel really time-consuming and a bit of a pain. However, flossing is the only way in which we get deep down into the gum line to remove all the bad bugs lurking beneath the surface. And though it can feel like an annoyance, to begin with like all things, just building it into your routine and having the discipline to make it a habit will make all the difference. Your hygienist in Richmond says: try and change the way you think about flossing - think of it as a daily act of self-care. Flossing is something you do for yourself every day to maintain healthy teeth and gums. We’re really not exaggerating when we say flossing can seriously stop you from developing gum disease and decay - both of which can take months to treat and can even result in tooth loss.
Mindset
Thinking of your teeth as extensions of your overall health is a really great way to think about them. Having regular checkups and practising good oral hygiene can save you stress and money in the future. Book in with the team at Sheen dental for your next check-up.