Today is World Oral Health Day and Brite Dental have put together some useful tips to help you maintain good oral health.

Brushing Your Teeth

It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least two times a day. Ideally do this first thing in the morning to eliminate bad breath, and then brush at night time before bed. This is particularly important as you produce less saliva during the night, leaving the mouth more at risk from decay. To ensure you do a thorough clean and remove plaque, you should brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. Make sure not to brush your teeth right after consuming sugary or acidic foods as sugar and acids weaken the enamel on your teeth, therefore brushing straight after can cause tiny particles of enamel to be brushed away. So, it is best to brush your teeth at least one hour after eating.

What Oral Care Products Should I be Using?

Every one’s mouth is different, at Brite Dental our care team can recommend the best toothbrush and toothpaste for you to use, as well as the best way to target the tricky areas between your teeth. Dental floss is an essential product that can help do just that. Flossing should be done once a day as it helps rid food particles that get trapped between your teeth. We also recommend that you use a fluoride toothpaste as fluoride can help your dental hygiene by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay.

What Products Can I Use To Prevent Bad Breath?

The most important way of controlling bad breath is with good brushing and flossing. Sugar free chewing gum and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash can also help eliminate bad breath. Chewing sugarless gum will not only keep your breath smelling fresh but it also promotes the production of salvia which acts as a natural defence against acid.

However, long term bad breath could be a potential symptom of a dental problem such as gum disease, so if you are concerned about this, you should ask the Brite Dental team for advice.

Diet And Your Oral Health

Diet can have a big impact on your oral health, there is no escaping the damage a poor diet can have on your teeth. Cutting down on sugary or acidic foods or drinks will decrease your chances of tooth decay and discolouration.   

Schedule Your Next Appointment At Brite Dental

Our dentists are committed to the health and longevity of your teeth. We encourage you to pay close attention to your oral health and practice excellent maintenance habits to prevent future problems and address any existing damage. Get in touch today with your local Brite practice and our professional team will take good care of you and help you maintain optimal oral hygiene.

To help maintain a healthy mouth, Brite Dental have made a daily checklist with some handy tips.

1. Brush Your Teeth Twice A Day For 2 Minutes

Brushing your teeth twice a day, in the morning and before you go to bed, is absolutely vital for keeping them healthy. Not only does brushing eliminate food particles and plaque from the mouth, but it prevents gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. The recommended time of 2 minutes helps ensure that you are not rushing through the process and that all the teeth are clean. Always use gentle back and forth motion across your teeth and gum line when brushing.

2. Brush At Least 30 Minutes After Eating

After consuming acidic or sugary foods you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth as this allows enough time for your saliva to neutralise the food acids. Theses acids are found in most foods and can be harmful to your tooth enamel as the acid contained in the food temporarily softens the enamel as these foods interact with the plaque in the mouth. Brushing directly after the consumption of such foods will cause further damage to the teeth surface. Don’t neglect your tongue! brushing your tongue helps remove plaque and bacteria that sticks to the surface which in turn can help fight bad breath.

3. Floss Once A Day

Many people forget this one! Flossing your teeth makes all the difference, it helps get rid of food particles that get stuck between your teeth that you cannot reach when brushing. It plays an important role in helping maintain good oral hygiene and preventing gum disease. Care must be taken when flossing to avoid irritating your gums which can often result in bleeding. Just ask at your local Brite, we would be more than happy to demonstrate how you can floss effectively.

 

 

4. Rinse With Antibacterial Mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash after brushing is strongly recommended. Not only does it help remove plague and refresh your breath but can also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

5. Chew Sugarless Gum

Brushing your teeth after every meal is not very practical, plus over brushing can damage your enamel. So we advise chewing sugarless gum after eating. This will help to keep your breath smelling fresh but chewing also encourages the production of saliva which acts as a natural defence against acid. This also washes away food particles, helping to keep your teeth clean.

6. Limit Your Intake Of Sugary Foods And Beverages

We all enjoy indulging in sugary snacks every now and again, however consuming these too often can affect the whiteness of your smile and the freshness of your breath. What’s more of a concern is a poor diet can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. This is due to the sugar reacting to bacteria in the plaque (the sticky layer on your teeth) and producing harmful acids. These acids then attack the teeth and destroy the enamel which can result in a cavity or hole forming.

 

Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment At Brite Dental

Incorporating these things into your daily routine will help you maintain a healthy smile. You should also remember to replace your toothbrush regularly. This should be done every 3 to 4 months or when the bristles start to look worn. Don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly; frequent check-ups are essential, so why not contact us and book your next appointment at Brite Dental?