Oral care dos and don’ts from our dentist in Havant
Taking good care of their oral health means that a person can enjoy a range of benefits, including a better smile, fresh breath and a greater chance of good general health. Here at Parkway Dental Care, we offer advice and treatment that helps to keep the teeth and gums healthy as well as ensuring that the smile looks as attractive as possible. This guide from our dentist explains what to do and what not to do for a healthy mouth.
Do have a dental hygiene routine at home
The oral hygiene routine at home is the foundation of having healthy teeth and gums. Brushing the teeth for two minutes twice every day with fluoride toothpaste helps to keep them clean and prevent staining and yellowing to some degree. Flossing is also important and should take place before bed. If any patient is unsure about how best to floss or use interdental brushes to remove bits of food and debris that toothbrushing has missed, they should consult with our dentist in Havant for guidance.
Do get checked out
Visiting our dentist in Havant every few months for a check-up is an essential part of keeping the teeth and gums in good condition. We can check for the beginnings of any issues before they cause problems or even pain, and make sure they are resolved quickly with a minimum of treatment. Issues that we look out for include the initial signs of cavities, gum disease and oral cancer.
A dental check-up should also include seeing the hygienist. They can give a scale and polish, which involves cleaning the teeth very thoroughly and removing any plaque that has formed. This leaves the teeth feeling very clean and can help to prevent bad breath and gum disease.
Don’t consume lots of fizzy drinks
Fizzy drinks are detrimental to the enamel of the teeth. This includes those that are sugar free. This is because they contain acid that eats away at the top layer of the teeth, leaving them vulnerable to damage. It is fine to have them as an occasional treat, but these types of drinks should not be consumed with any regularity if oral health is a priority.
Tap water is the best choice of drink for regular consumption. It helps to hydrate the mouth and aid saliva production, both of which are important for healthy teeth and gums and fresh smelling breath. Most tap water has fluoride, which helps to keep the teeth strong.
Don’t smoke
Smoking is probably the worst thing a person can do when it comes to oral health. It makes the gums much more vulnerable to damage and deterioration and can increase the likelihood of gum disease and tooth loss. Smoking is also a significant risk factor for oral cancer. No matter how long a person has had the habit, they can always benefit from stopping and reducing their risks of smoking-related damage to the teeth and gums. There is help available such as nicotine replacement therapy and support groups.