Get your dental health back on track with these tips
When it comes to obtaining good dental health, or getting your dental health back on track, you need to look after your teeth. Your adult teeth are the only one you have! Dental diseases such as tooth decay and dental erosion are very common health problems in Australia – but they are mostly preventable.
One of the most important factors in helping fight tooth decay has been the addition of fluoride to the Sydney water supply. But, our dentists in Parramatta know there is more to good dental health than just fluoride, brushing your teeth and having cavities filled. Good nutrition and eating habits also play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay and dental erosion.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay causes holes in the tooth enamel – the protective surface of your teeth, while plaque is the sticky film of bacteria and sugars that continuously form on our teeth. The bacteria in plaque use the sugars found in drinks and food to produce acid. This acid then dissolves the tooth strengthening materials – phosphate and calcium from the tooth surface. Saliva is the body’s natural defence against cavities as it helps to wash sugars from the mouth and reduces the effects of acids that are produced by the plaque bacteria. The phosphate and calcium that is in saliva help to replace the minerals on the surface of your teeth, but, if acid is attacking your teeth too often, it doesn’t give the salvia enough time to repair the damage that has been done and a hole will eventually develop in the tooth.
Four simple tips for good oral health
1)USING A FLOURIDE TOOTHPASTE, BRUSH TWICE A DAY
- Use the softest toothbrush with a flexible neck and small head
- Don’t press too hard, too much pressure can damage gums and tooth enamel
- Bush your teeth twice a day for two minutes
- Clean your teeth systematically, holding the toothbrush at the gum line on a 45-degree angle
- Always choose a toothpaste with fluoride
- Replace your toothbrush every three months
2)USE A FLOSS AT LEAST ONCE A DAY
- Floss at least once a day
- Make flossing part of your oral hygiene routine
- Your children should floss too, start them on flossing as soon as your child has two teeth that touch
- Ask your dentist in Parramatta to demonstrate the correct flossing technique
- Ask your dentist in Parramatta if interdental aids will compliment flossing
3)HAVE LESS SUGARY DRINKS AND FOOD, EAT HEALTHY
- Floss at least once a day
- Make flossing part of your oral hygiene routine
- Your children should floss too, start them on flossing as soon as your child has two teeth that touch
- Ask your dentist in Parramatta to demonstrate the correct flossing technique
- Ask your dentist in Parramatta if interdental aids will compliment flossing
4)HAVE A REGULAR DENTAL CHECK UP
- Make sure you have a regular check-up every six months is better
To book in for a cleaning, or if there is any issue we can help you with, call your Dentist at Parramatta Dental Avenue on 02 800 400 55 and our friendly team will be happy to help you!
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