With gum disease and tooth decay on the increase amongst children and adults in the UK, dentists are keen to stress the importance of effective teeth cleaning. For many people, cleaning their teeth simply involves giving them a quick brush in the morning when they get up and before they go to bed but a thorough dental hygiene routine should be so much more than that.

Looking after your teeth is very important and something that will actually make a real visible difference. Dental care is one of the few aspects of the body where we have almost complete control over the diseases and disrepair that affect it. As well as brushing for three minutes at least twice a day (after every meal is desirable although not necessarily always practical) patients should be flossing at least once a day. The importance of flossing is to remove plaque, bacteria and food debris from hard to reach areas such as between the teeth and in the gum pockets below the gum line. This helps to limit gum disease and tooth decay, both of which are caused by plaque acid.

Dentists also recommend the use of tongue cleaners to remove bacteria from the soft grooves of the tongue. This can help to lower plaque production limiting decay. Cleaning your tongue with your toothbrush is often not that effective as the bristles are too soft to remove the bacteria. Chewing gum and using mouthwash do have a place in dental hygiene but it is always best to check with your dentist first as they can also have adverse side effects such as destabilising the bacteria levels.

Most importantly of all however, is the need to visit a Central Leeds dentist every six-months, to monitor the teeth and keep an eye open for the first signs of decay and disease.