
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important whatever age you are. For younger children, parents should encourage good habits and introduce regular brushing standards, even for first teeth that will fall out as children get older. For adults, it’s never too late to start improving oral hygiene and the state of your teeth without expensive dental bills. Here are some top tips for looking after your teeth from an expert dental practice in Swansea:
This could seem an obvious tip that may have been ingrained into your daily routine since childhood, but it’s essential that you brush your teeth twice a day. Ensure you’re brushing with fluoride toothpaste and are brushing them properly too - you should be spending two to three minutes brushing your teeth.
Take your time to move the brush in circular and gentle movements, working from the incisors back to the molars and from the front and behind the teeth. Doing this will tackle any build-up of plaque. Also, always go to bed with freshly brushed teeth - this will remove germs and plaque that accumulates throughout the day, and stops bacteria from being free to develop and damage your teeth during the hours that you’re sleeping.
Whether using interdental brushes or fine floss, we recommend flossing your teeth once a day. Doing this can remove any food, debris and plaque that has gotten stuck between your teeth that can’t be reached by a standard toothbrush. But it’s not just for this; flossing can stimulate and strengthen the gums, which is essential for a healthy mouth and teeth.
Exercise and playing sports are important for a healthy, active body, but ensure your teeth are protected by wearing a mouthguard or gumshield. It’s imperative you shield your teeth and mouth from becoming chipped or being knocked out through physical activity. This goes for unpredictable and potentially dangerous sports like rugby, field hockey or even football.
This doesn’t quite fall under “looking after your teeth” but your tongue contributes to overall oral hygiene. When brushing your teeth, take 30 seconds or so to gently brush your tongue as plaque can build up over time. Doing this can reduce any bad odours from your mouth but can also reduce any potential health problems to occur late on.
The optimum way of caring for your teeth is to visit a professional dental practice. By getting a checkup, clean and polish, you can start your journey to healthier teeth afresh. At Manor Road Dental Practice , we offer expert dental care and advice on whether a checkup or more advanced work is needed. Visit our dental practice in Swansea, or contact one of our friendly team today.