Having your teeth cleaned professionally helps prevent cavities and gingivitis. During your consultation your dentist will individually determine how often you should have your teeth cleaned. Even if you have no real problems with your teeth and gums, it is extremely important to remove tartar or scale regularly. In addition, this has benefits for your overall health.  However, it is important to note that professional cleaning should not replace good oral hygiene at home: a good oral care routine is essential for keeping your dentition. This is why Sundays River Dental will always provide useful advice on correct brushing techniques so that you can take care of your teeth in the best possible way.

 

 

Good oral hygiene is important!

 

With good oral hygiene, you will be able to keep your teeth and delicate gums healthy. Brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste forms the basis for good oral hygiene. Using only a toothbrush will not be enough to keep the spaces between your teeth clean. To properly clean between your teeth you should also use dental floss or inter-dental toothpicks or -brushes.

 

 

 

Useful tips for oral care.

 

Brush your teeth twice a day.

 

Toothbrushing  forms the base for good oral hygiene. This is a necessary chore and is certainly not an easy one. Make sure you brush your teeth carefully twice a day, without applying too much pressure as this can also be detrimental to your teeth. A good brushing session should take two minutes, so take your time!

 

Also clean between your teeth.

 

Using only a toothbrush will not be enough to keep the spaces between your teeth clean. It does not matter whether you use  a hand toothbrush  or  prefer an electric toothbrush. Your dentist or oral hygienist can best advise you on how to clean the spaces between your teeth properly by using inter-dental brushes or floss or dental toothpicks once a day. Ask your dentist or hygienist which instrument will suit you best and to give you advice on how you should use them.

 

Choose a good toothbrush.

 

Choose a soft brush with a small head. Replace the toothbrush every three months or earlier if the bristles start standing apart. Efficient toothbrushing can also be achieved by using an electric toothbrush. This brush makes use of the correct brushing movements. Using an electric toothbrush will allow you to focus on where and how to place the toothbrush in your mouth. Again, a new brush head removes more plaque than an old one that needs to be replaced.

 

Use fluoride toothpaste.

 

Fluoride makes the enamel of your teeth stronger and less soluble in acid. Therefore brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste with 1000-1500 ppm (parts per million) fluoride (see packaging).

 

Eat or drink up to seven times a day.

 

Soft drinks, fruit (juice), yogurt drinks and wine all contain sugars as well as acids. One can barely taste acids, because sugar dominates over sour tastes. Acids have an adverse effect on the enamel of your teeth. This form of wear and tear is known as dental erosion, which is a slow process that is not easily repaired. However, it is not just about the amount of acidic products you eat or drink, but also the frequency that you do so. The longer that acidic products remain in your mouth, the greater the chance of dental erosion. Since the way you eat or drink is important, try to eat three main meals a day, together with  small snacks up to four times a day in between. This will allow your teeth sufficient time to repair. Try not to eat sour fruit more than twice a day and do not drink too much soda and other beverages with acidic content. Water, coffee and regular tea without sugar are not harmful for your teeth.

 

Do not use acidic products one hour before you brush your teeth.

 

Acid affects tooth enamel and your toothbrush and toothpaste have a grinding effect. If you brush your teeth straight after eating or drinking acidic drinks, you could easily brush off the enamel, which could result in the more rapid wear and tear of your teeth.

 

Sugar-free chewing gum protect your teeth.

 

Did you know that saliva protects the teeth against dental erosion?  Saliva neutralizes acids resulting from food and drink. for example, if you chew gum, you activate the production of saliva.  Choose a sugar-free chewing gum containing, for example Xylitol, which is a natural sweetener.  Xylifresh gum with 100% xylitol helps prevent plaque accumulation and is recommended.

 

Visit your dentist.

 

Visit your dentist or oral hygienist twice a year.  This will ensure that your teeth will be properly monitored and you will get instructions on how to keep your mouth healthy.