4 Best Practices For Impeccable Oral Hygiene

Over 90% of Australian adults have experienced tooth decay at some point in their lives. (Australian Dental Association, 2018). So, it’s not surprising that tooth decay is one of the most common health problems in Australia. Contrary to popular opinion, oral hygiene is not limited to brushing and flossing twice daily. Instead, think of it as an all-round approach that involves watching what you eat, going for routine dental examinations, getting your teeth professionally cleaned and treating minor tooth problems. If you neglect your teeth, you will have excessive tartar formation, which could lead to bacterial infections, gum disorders, deep cavities and in some cases an increased risk of developing cancer.

At Blue Tooth Dental, we have first-hand experience in preventing poor oral hygiene and letting our customers know what early signs to look out for. Specialising in oral hygiene and tooth health, we know what it takes to achieve proper dental care.

The next time you look at yourself in the mirror, take a good look at your teeth and visit your dentist if you see early signs of decay or plaque build-up. In the meantime, here are some best practice steps you can take, so that you can get to the root of your dental problems and maintain a dental care routine.

Quick Guide:

1. Use the Right Brush
2. Rinse Your Mouth
3. Detect Signs of Poor Oral Hygiene Early
4. Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned

1. Use the Right Brush

Toothbrushes…Manual or electric? Alongside the availability of numerous toothbrushes, you’re really spoiled for choice. Though, there are certain characteristics that you should look out for:

• Size: The most effective toothbrush head allows you to easily access all surfaces of your teeth, including teeth that are hard to reach. For the most part, smaller toothbrush heads are easier to manoeuvre and can reach areas like the back of your molars. Most importantly, choose a toothbrush that fits your mouth and is comfortable to use.
• Bristle Type: Depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth, the bristle type is important, as it can affect the health of your teeth and gums. Generally, most people find a soft-bristled toothbrush the most comfortable to use. Nylon bristles with blunt tips are ideal for those suffering from tooth sensitivity, whilst rounded bristles are best for gum health. Also floss away particles that hide in the gaps between your teeth. If you don’t like the traditional cord, try using a water floss instead. Also remember that bristles don’t last forever and typically after 3-4 months you will need to replace your toothbrush.
• Pressure: Applying the right amount of pressure really depends on the type of brush that you use. Manual toothbrushes allow you to control the amount of pressure you use to brush, generally allowing for lighter pressure so you don’t excessively brush your teeth. Some electric brushes come with settings that allow you to choose the right amount of pressure and speed that works for you. Be careful to avoid excessive brushing though as this does more harm than good; it tears away your gum tissue and leads to bleeding.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

If you have eaten very sweet and sticky foods like dates or sweets, brush your teeth and use a mouthwash or salt water to rinse the mouth. Your diet plays an important role in your oral hygiene, with sweet sticky foods eroding the enamel and speeding up tooth decay. If you are looking to improve your teeth health, it is recommended that you consume calcium-rich foods like yoghurt and cheese, and avoid lingering on sugary foods.

3. Detect Signs of Poor Oral Hygiene Early

It’s important to also look out for signs of poor oral hygiene, so that you can take the appropriate preventative steps.

• Fixing small cavities: It’s always a bad sign when food starts to get stuck inside your teeth. This is because you might have a small hole or cavity in the enamel. Getting this fixed on time is crucial because it could prevent you from having to undergo expensive and time-consuming root canal treatments.
• Tartar buildup: Tartar is hard, calcified deposits that can form when naturally occurring bacteria mixes with food. If you fail to remove tartar, your teeth will trap plenty of bacteria which will ultimately enter your bloodstream, causing you other health problems. Visiting a professional can remove tartar build-up and help the dentist assess your overall oral health.
• Overly sensitive teeth: If your teeth also become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, take a trip to the dentist to find out the underlying cause. Typically, overly sensitive teeth are due to worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. If it is causing tooth discomfort it is recommended that you seek professional help.
• Other symptoms: Bear in mind that painful gums, swelling and inflammation are indicators of dental problems. Don’t ignore these symptoms or treat them with over the counter medicines before having your mouth professionally examined

4. Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned

Dentists recommend professional teeth cleaning twice a year. For a thorough clean and polish, visit Blue Tooth Dental in Newtown, Sydney. We offer high-quality general and preventive dentistry for a host of dental problems. Whether you’re after mouth guards for your child, root canals, crowns or wisdom teeth removal, we assure you of high-quality dental care at our modern practice. Dr. Simon Briggs, our visiting dental surgeon, performs wisdom tooth removal surgery right here at our office.

Blue Tooth Dental also specialises in children’s dentistry. So if you’re searching for experienced dentists, give us a call on 02 9519 2691. Alternatively, visit us online to learn more about our services and offers on dental in Newtown.