Brushing and flossing should form the bedrock of good oral hygiene but there is more to having good teeth than just this. Many of the other decisions that you take and the things that you do can have a bearing on the health of your teeth. Read on to find about what else you can do to ensure good oral health for many years to come.
Given that plaque bacteria are produced when you eat, dietary considerations necessarily play a part in the health of your mouth. The fact is, certain foods lead to higher levels of plaque prevalence in the mouth. It is sugar and starch that are the main culprits so think about how much of these foods that you are consuming and whether you might want to brush your teeth afterwards.
Any activity which leads you to have dry mouth will be leaving you more exposed to the effects of plaque. This is because saliva is a natural part of plaque defence and if your mouth is dry then that means that there is insufficient plaque being produced. Smoking dries out the mouth, as does excessive alcohol consumption and the failure to drink enough water. Chewing gum can always help to moisten the mouth but think about the effects that smoking and drinking are having on the general health of your body. Oral health is not divorced from your general health and having a strong immune system means that your body can cope with things more easily.
Finally, make sure that you visit your dentist in the City of Leeds every six months for a dental check up and guarantee that problems can be solved.
Posts Tagged ‘good oral hygiene’
Improving the health of your teeth is easy with the help of City of Leeds dentists
Monday, September 12th, 2011Brushing alone is not enough say Central Leeds dentists
Friday, March 19th, 2010
Maintaining good oral hygiene is about more than just brushing, yet so many of use rely entirely on brushing to keep our teeth clean and healthy. But we may be playing a dangerous game if we don’t pay enough attention to the other areas of the mouth.
Brushing is obviously very important for the health of our teeth and gums. Brushing twice a day for three minutes with an appropriate brush will remove plaque from the flat surfaces of the teeth, both front and back. Brushing will also gently stimulate the gums helping them to stay healthy and fight off gum disease. But brushing alone may not be enough to clean all the necessary areas of the teeth.
For example, the areas between the teeth are very narrow and difficult to clean with the bristles of a toothbrush. It is the same with the areas around the base off the teeth and between the gums and the teeth. For these small gaps, so often the starting point of tooth decay, it is necessary to use dental floss at least once a day to remove bacteria and plaque to protect your mouth.
As well as flossing, it may be necessary to use and inter-dental brush, especially designed for use between the teeth. Other cleaning tools that are recommended for use by Central Leeds dentists include implements for cleaning the tongue. This could either be special tongue cleaning brush or even a tongue scraper. It is necessary to clean the tongue as it is a perfect environment for bacteria to build up. As well as all these measures it is crucial that you keep up your six-monthly visits to the dentist for check up appointments.
City of Leeds dentist gives oral health tips for child’s healthy smile
Friday, March 12th, 2010
Tooth decay and gum disease affect children more than any other chronic infectious disease. It is therefore very important for parents to ensure that their children’s teeth are as clean and healthy as possible. The alternative is a lifetime of pain and discomfort caused by having bad teeth.
The most important thing a parent can do is to instil good oral hygiene methods on their children early on in life. This will stand them in good stead for a lifetime of healthy teeth. When your child is very young, it will be necessary to clean their teeth for them but as they get older, try to encourage them to brush their teeth as effectively as possible. Try not to force them to do it as this may build up resentment to brushing. Make it a fun game or offer rewards encouraging good teeth cleaning. Also try to teach your children the importance of flossing.
What your children eat is also very important for their oral health. Try to limit the amount of sweet or sugary snacks or drinks they have. This can encourage plaque growth leading to premature decay. If they do have sweets or drinks, keep them to meal times and encourage them to drink water immediately afterwards. This helps to clean the teeth by washing away any sugary remains. Brushing after meals is even more effective.
There are other technical ways parents can help their children’s teeth. Using fluoride toothpaste can help to protect teeth, as can dental sealants. City of Leeds dentist will be able to offer more advice about the benefits and suitability of these treatments. Giving your child the best start in life is very important and this also includes their teeth. See what more you can do by visiting the dentist.