Recent lockdowns and stay-at-home restrictions in Australia prevented many people from going to the dentist. This has had a negative impact on oral health across the country.
Visiting your dentist regularly plays a fundamental role in taking care of your teeth and gums. To help you brush up on the basics of good oral hygiene, our dental clinic in Donvale will help you achieve dental awareness.
Our 4-step guide below will keep your teeth in tip-top condition.
Step 1: Brush twice daily
Brush your teeth twice a day using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure your toothbrush has soft bristles – they’re kinder to your teeth and gums than hard bristles. Use small, gentle, circular motions on all surfaces of the teeth, with the bristles tilted at a 45-degree angle against the gum line.
Your teeth brushing ritual should last for about 2 minutes. By using the correct brushing technique, you’ll be able to get rid of as much plaque and food as possible.
Step 2: Floss once a day
Dental floss is an effective weapon in the fight against tooth decay, gum disease and halitosis (bad breath) because it reaches areas that a toothbrush alone can’t access.
You should floss daily, taking your time with about 45 cm of dental floss wrapped around your middle fingers. Use your thumbs and index fingers to guide the floss between your teeth, using a gentle sawing motion and going under the gums. At our dental clinic in Donvale, we can show you the correct way to floss your teeth.
Step 3: Cut down on sugar
Tooth decay is a diet-related disease. Reducing your sugar intake is one of the best things you can do to prevent tooth and gum problems. Here are two simple things you can start doing today:
- Replace sugary drinks like soft drinks, energy drinks and fruit juices with simple tap water. As an extra bonus, tap water in many parts of Australia contains fluoride.
- Read food labels carefully. Try to choose food with 5 grams or less sugar per 100 grams.
Step 4: Visit your dentist regularly
Go to your dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care. At our dental clinic in Donvale, we like to see our patients at least twice a year. That way, we can help you keep your teeth and gums in great shape and improve your dental awareness throughout your entire life.
Don’t neglect your dental health. Contact us today to make an appointment.
