Judging by the increasing number of people in the UK who are suffering from dental cavities and gum disease, it would seem that the standards of oral hygiene are slipping. This is more than likely due to complacency when it comes to oral hygiene or even an ignorance of exactly what it takes to care for your teeth properly.
Many people seem to be under the impression that good dental care is just about brushing. There is no doubt that brushing your teeth well is the first line of defence against dental disease and decay, but it is far from the only preventative measure at our disposal. Brushing does remove more plaque and bacteria than any other form of cleaning, but unless you are flossing and using a tongue scraper, you are always going to be fighting something of a losing battle against dental disease. This is because bacteria and plaque often accumulate in areas that are difficult to reach with a conventional brush. These are areas such as the small gaps between the teeth and in the pockets between the teeth and the gum where they meet. Brushing will not remove this plaque and it is allowed to cause damage unchallenged.
Flossing will help to remove bacteria, making you less likely to suffer from dental problems. Tongue scrapers are ideal for removing food and bacteria from the small and moist groves of the tongue. The bristles of a toothbrush are not designed to clean the tongue and will leave bacteria to cause damage in other parts of the mouth. Leeds dentists can offer advice a check up appointments, which are also integral to keeping your mouth healthy and clean.
Tags: clean the tongue, dental cavities, dental decay, gum disease, oral hygiene
