Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is an important factor in living a healthy lifestyle. Not only does it feel good to have a healthy smile but it is proven that healthy teeth and gums can have a big impact on one’s mental health. In our latest blog our Principal Dentist and Clinical Director Dr Timothy Williams offers his top tips for good oral health.
Top tips for maintaining good oral health:
- Brush your teeth properly: let’s start with the most obvious piece of advice… brushing your teeth properly. We know this is very basic, but it’s quite surprising how many people don’t get it 100% right. So, make sure you use a soft-bristled brush and ideally a fluoride toothpaste, brush thoroughly around each tooth for a minimum of two minutes. Make sure you pay attention to all tooth surfaces, including along the gumline. Repeat this twice a day, morning and evening.
- Floss daily: The next step, after having brushed your teeth effectively, is to floss as it’s an important part of a healthy daily routine. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline. Be gentle while flossing to avoid injuring your gums. Taking the time to floss after brushing can play a major part in healthy teeth and gums.
- Maintain a balanced diet: The benefits of a healthy diet are widely known and generally the narrative is around a healthy body but it is often overlooked that a healthy diet contributes to good oral health. Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, opt for a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains.
- Limit snacks and sugary drinks: There is much publicity about the damaging effects of sugary snacks and drinks, particularly for children. It is proven that frequent snacking and consumption of sugary drinks can increase the risk of tooth decay, so it is sensible to reduce or remove this type of food and drink from your diet. If you do have a snack, choose healthy options like fruits, vegetables, or even cheese. Small changes in behaviour, over a period of time can make a big difference.
- Don’t smoke: It is well known that smoking and tobacco use in any form can harm your oral health, leading to gum disease, oral cancer and tooth loss. It’s best to avoid tobacco altogether.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning are essential for maintaining oral health. Your dentist can detect and address any oral health issues early on so ensuring you book regular check-ups will help you maintain good oral health over the long term.
- Use fluoride products: Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against tooth decay. Use fluoride toothpaste and, if recommended by your dentist, consider using a fluoride mouthwash.
- Protect your teeth during sports: If you participate in sports or activities with a risk of dental injuries, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from trauma.
- Drink plenty of water: Not only is water good for your overall health and hydration, drinking water helps rinse away food particles and stimulates saliva production, which aids in remineralisation and neutralising acids in your mouth.
- Manage stress: Stress can contribute to teeth grinding and jaw clenching, which can damage your teeth and strain your jaw muscles. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercising, practising relaxation techniques, or seeking professional help if needed.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and it’s important to consult with your dentist for personalised advice based on your specific dental needs and oral health conditions.
If you’d like to discuss your oral health further and arrange a dental check-up please get in touch with us via our contact page or call us on 01772 349 349.
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