Brushing your teeth is only part of a good oral hygiene regime. Although brushing is very important for removing plaque and keeping teeth clean and free of bacteria, there are other important ways of maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.
As well as brushing your teeth twice a day for three minutes to clean the teeth, City of Leeds dentists recommend that time should be spent looking after the other areas of the mouth as dental care is more than just brushing. They recommend flossing at least once a day and using fluoride toothpaste if it is suitable for your teeth. It is also very important to clean other areas of the mouth such as the tongue.
The grooved and porous surface of the tongue can be a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The substance responsible for causing gum disease and tooth decay, known as plaque, is a bacteria-rich substance. If the tongue is not cleaned effectively it will begin to act as a reservoir of bacteria for the tongue, which then causes subsequent damage to the teeth and gums, even if they have been thoroughly cleaned with a toothbrush.
Not only does the tongue act as a reservoir for bacteria causing decay, but it can also be the source of bad odours which are then carried out the mouth on the breath. Bacteria that decays releases foul-smelling sulphurous compounds which are the cause of over 90% of cases of bad breath. Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled brush at least twice a week to clean the surface of the tongue. Alternatively, you may wish to use a tongue scarper to remove the bacteria form the tongue. This, along with a strong brushing and flossing routine, will help to keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria.
Tags: brushing, Dental Veneers, plaque, teeth and gums
