Your smile is a part of who you are.
That’s why it’s incredibly important that you take care of it – because a happy and healthy smile means a happy and healthy life.
Prevention is always better than the cure and this is no different when it comes to your oral health. It’s so much easier to maintain a daily hygiene routine to protect your teeth and gums rather than fix the damage later.
A great oral hygiene routine is the best thing you can do to keep your mouth clean, happy and safe. This includes:
Brushing twice a day.
Brushing your teeth is what helps remove and prevent a build-up of plaque in your mouth.
For proper plaque removal, hold your brush at a 45-degree angle, using small back and forth or circular motions to reach every surface of your teeth.
Flossing every day.
Flossing is what helps remove plaque, debris from hard to reach places in your mouth.
There’s a lot of different types of floss available and it can be tricky to get the hang of it for those who are new. If you’re struggling – speak to your dentist who can recommend the best type of floss to use and guide you through the process.
Improving your diet and lifestyle.
A balanced diet is key to keeping you healthy and in your best shape – and when you feel good on the inside, you look good on the outside!
We’re all guilty of indulging on treats but overindulging too often can cause harm to our teeth and mouth. To keep your smile happy, healthy and bright, it’s worth cutting back on:
- Sugary food and drinks, which can damage our enamel
- Red wine or coffee, which can stain our teeth
- Smoking, which decreases circulation and can contribute to gum disease
Regular check-ups
Sometimes we can’t physically see problems, so regular check-ups are essential for making sure everything is alright and maintain your smile.
There’s no simple answer for how often you should go to the dentist – it all depends on your teeth and unique circumstances. For those unsure, we’d recommend at least once every 6 months.
Why is it important to take control of our oral health?
Taking control of your oral health helps to prevent a range of dental conditions.
It’s always better to maintain a decent hygiene routine, rather than worry about how to cure tooth decay.
The most common dental problem for those that don’t look after their oral health is dental decay – which can lead to many other conditions, such as cavities, tooth loss and gum disease.
Dental decay is caused when the sugar in our diet reacts to the bacteria in plaque, forming an acid that dissolves the enamel and dentine of a tooth.
This acid is eventually neutralised though natural salts in your saliva but can attack your teeth for up to an hour after eating and drinking.
Over time, this can lead to many other conditions, such as cavities – holes in your teeth that require invisible fillings. If left untreated, it can lead to serious dental hygiene problems, infections, and may even require surgery to fix.
If you notice any symptoms of dental decay, see your dentist as soon as possible before it turns into something worse!
Keep your smile happy and healthy.
Ultimately, the answer to how to prevent cavities, tooth loss and other dental conditions is simply to take control of your oral health by maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine.
Ready to work towards a perfect smile? Book your consultation today.