Our teeth and gums are a critical aspect of good overall health & well-being and with regular oral examinations, your dentist can keep an eye on things and carry out treatment as and when required. We had a chat with a top Sydney dentist and asked them for a few tips on maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
- Use antiseptic mouthwash– A daily swish of antiseptic mouthwash removes most of the food residue and that prevents the onset and growth of plaque. Some adults use mouthwash after every meal, after brushing, of course. This also keeps your breath fresh, which is important when socialising and at work.
- Regular dental checkups– Ideally, you should book a checkup every 6 months, which gives your dentist a chance to check that all is well and should there be any issues, prompt treatment can be carried out before the condition becomes serious. If work is needed, the dentist would ask you to make a booking within the next few days. It is unlikely they would treat you there and then.
- Avoid trauma– If you play contact sports, you need to wear gum protection; otherwise, you might need the services of a top emergency dentist in Sydney, which would not be cheap. Any slight issue and you should book an appointment with your dentist. If, for example, you notice a tiny hole in one of your teeth, this needs to be investigated immediately.
- Correct brushing technique– You should use a medium bristle, small-head toothbrush and use small circular motions, as well as up and down over and in between the teeth. There are some great animations that show clearly how effective brushing is achieved.
- Flossing– Floss after every brush, which removes small food particles that get stuck between the teeth. Again, YouTube hosts some fantastic ‘how to floss’ animations that help you immensely. Click here to learn about air quality and why it is important.
- Deep cleaning– The hygienist would offer deep cleaning treatment, which we recommend on an annual basis. Some dentists require a deep clean prior to administering treatment, such as laser teeth whitening.
- Limit your sugar intake– Sugar eats away at your tooth enamel and provides sustenance for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Aside from being good for teeth and gums, limiting your sugar intake is also good for your overall health & well-being. This is especially important for children; try to prevent them from developing a sweet tooth.
- Stay hydrated– Being hydrated is beneficial in many ways, especially in the hot summer months and lack of fluids can lead to gum disorders.
If you have recently relocated and have yet to register with a local dentist, don’t delay; Google can bring you a list of local clinics and after some browsing, you can make an online booking for an initial checkup. Your teeth and gums need to be monitored; oral hygiene is crucial, of course, so make sure you brush and floss 3 times a day.
