Do you think you have a good oral hygiene routine? Are you confident that you do enough to care for and protect your teeth? Yes, most of the patients at Stretford Road Dental Practice think so too. In fact most of the UK population think they’re doing enough to care for their teeth, but yet over half the UK has some form of dental decay or gum disease, so the numbers aren’t really adding up. Let’s take a look at all the best practices recommended by our dentist in Urmston for tooth care, and why we should all be doing them.
Brushing
It’s highly likely you brush your teeth. Most people brush their teeth. But have you ever really paid any attention to how you brush your teeth? Tooth brushing correctly is actually a skill and for those who don’t have the added benefit of an electric toothbrush it’s even more important.
When brushing your teeth you should be using circular motions around the whole surface area of the tooth, paying particular attention to the gum line. We at the practice see so many patients who have nice clean teeth, but have lots of plaque build-up along the back gum lines of the teeth. This build-up happens when bacteria is left to multiply over time and can only result if the area is repeatedly not being cleaned correctly. This can then only properly be removed by our dentist – and must be done in order to stop the development of gum disease or decay.
Flossing
If flossing isn’t part of your daily routine it really, really should be! Flossing is the most recommended tool by our dentist in Urmston to help fight gum disease – the leading cause of tooth loss.
Though flossing when you start out can seem time consuming and boring, the impact it has on your oral health is massive. If you’re unsure of how to use dental floss correctly, speak with our dentist in Urmston next time you visit the practice. They will be able to show you the best techniques to use. And as for flossing being boring – pop on your favourite podcast, or new favourite band, make it a time you have just for yourself during the day, rather than just about flossing your teeth.
The extras
There are of course other tools you can use to help care for your teeth and gums. Tongue scraping helps to keep your tongue bacteria free and thus your breath smelling nice and fresh. Fluoride mouthwashes and toothpastes help you keep on top of creating the protective enamel barrier needed to keep out bad bugs from your teeth. And interdental brushes can be excellent tools to use alongside flossing to remove food debris and bacteria build-up from between the teeth.
If you would like more information on what makes a good oral health routine, then do get in contact with the practice and a member of the team will be on hand to assist you with any questions you may have.