A Guide to Great Oral Health

6 tips for maintaining great oral health

 

1. Brush your teeth twice a day

The first step in keeping your pearly-whites in great shape is by brushing them! A good brush twice a day removes the plaque that can trigger gum disease, as well as any harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay. 

Technique matters, too. Don’t just scrub up and down as if you’re doing the dishes. Hold the brush head at a 45 degree angle to your gums and brush gently in a circular motion. Spend at least two minutes on the whole job, and make sure to go over every surface of each tooth: top, sides, and in between. 

2. Choose the right toothpaste for your needs

Sensitive teeth? Weak enamel? Prone to cavities? Look for the toothpaste that suits your  specific dental health needs. If your teeth hurt when you eat or drink hot or cold things, try a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, like Sensodyne Rapid Relief. Or, if you seem to be needing a lot of fillings, try a toothpaste with extra calcium like Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection to help strengthen your tooth enamel. 

2. Use the right toothbrush

Not sure whether to choose a hard or soft brush? Electric or manual? 

Believe it or not, soft toothbrushes are much better at cleaning away any built-up food and plaque, especially along the gum line. Soft brushes are also much more gentle on your teeth and gums. 

The main advantage with a hard-bristle toothbrush is that it lasts longer. However, brushing too hard can actually break down the enamel on your teeth - so, try to brush as gently as possible. 

An electric toothbrush really steps up the game. The Oral-B Vitality Sensitive Clean Electric Toothbrush has extra soft bristles and a round head, which makes it even more effective in gently removing plaque. 

Remember to replace your toothbrush at least every three months, or as soon as it starts to look “shaggy”.

3. Floss regularly

Flossing is essential for good oral hygiene as it’s the only way to get rid of food and bacteria caught between your teeth. Skipping this vital step means you’re leaving behind plaque and other debris that contribute to gum disease. Flossing also helps to keep your breath fresh! 

Try to floss at least once a day. There are plenty of great flossing products available now, from regular dental floss and dental tape to interdental brushes, floss picks, or a Waterflosser. 

4. Rinse with mouthwash

Mouthwash adds another level of protection to your teeth and gums. Antibacterial mouthwashes are an important part of any oral hygiene routine as they help to control plaque buildup, which in turn helps to prevent gingivitis and other periodontal diseases. While you might not need to use a mouthwash every day, it’s good to have on hand if an infection arises. 

Like toothpaste, there’s a range of mouthwashes to suit different needs. Cepacol and Cepacaine are antibacterial mouthwashes that can help treat infected gum tissue, while The Humble Co. has a great range of alcohol-free mouthwashes made with natural ingredients and fluoride. 

4. Go easy on the sweet stuff

Sugar causes much more harm to your teeth and gums than you might realise. Bacteria thrive on sugar, which causes plaque to build up and eat away at your tooth enamel. 

Sugar also feeds the bacteria that lead to gum disease, which then leads to gum recession and a higher risk of cavities along the gumline.  

Fizzy drinks and acidic foods are also bad news for teeth. Acid strips away the minerals within tooth enamel, making them weaker and more prone to cavities.  

If you can’t turn down sweet treats, be sure to eat them with other foods and drink plenty of water afterwards. 

5. Eat a wholesome diet

Did you know that certain foods can actually strengthen your teeth and gums? Think calcium-rich dairy products such as low-fat milk, unsweetened yoghurt, and hard cheese. If you’re dairy intolerant, some good alternatives include tofu, nuts, lentils, and leafy greens. 

Aim to fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables instead of sugary or processed snacks. Apples, pears, and other fibrous fruits are actually great for oral health as they increase salivation, which can reduce salivary bacteria in your mouth. 

And always choose water over fizzy drinks or juice! 

6. Get regular dental checkups

Most of us only visit the dentist when we have toothache - but oral care is a lot easier with regular checkups. Even if your dental health is generally pretty good and you’re careful about looking after your teeth, harmful plaque can still build up on your teeth between dental visits. Only a dental hygienist can remove this plaque before it can become embedded in the gum tissues and wreak havoc. You might not even be aware of how much damage has been done until it’s too late. 

So - make that appointment, keep brushing, and keep smiling! 

 

Vitamins and minerals are supplementary to and not a replacement for a balanced diet. Always read the label, use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.