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"Healthy
teeth for a lasting smile"
Getting
the basics right.
Daily
brushing, flossing, a sensible diet and regular dental and dental
hygiene check ups are the basics you need to master. Bacteria in
plaque react with the food and drink we consume to produce acids that
attack the minerals in our enamel, which can lead to cavities.
Toxins are also produced that can irritate the gums leading to gum
disease.
Step
1: Healthy Brushing
Brush for
at least 2-3 minutes after breakfast and last thing at night, even if
you use a power brush.
Brush all
surfaces, cleaning each tooth individually.
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Outer
/ Inner surfaces:
Place your toothbrush at a 45° to the gum line where the teeth
and the gum meet. Apply gentle pressure as you move in
small circular motions keeping tips of bristles in the same
place. |
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Behind
the front teeth:
Tilt the toothbrush (as pictured) and use a flicking motion
behind these teeth making sure you can feel the bristles at the
gum line. |
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Biting
surfaces:
Use back-and-forth strokes to brush the biting surfaces of the
upper and lower molars. |
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Tongue:
Always brush your tongue after brushing your teeth, just a few
strokes from the back of the tongue to remove the bacteria. |
What
type of toothbrush should I use
?
 Use a
toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles. Replace your
toothbrush every 2-3 months or if blue indicator fades (Oral-B
toothbrushes) or if bristles are splayed out. Have you considered
an electric toothbrush? They are excellent for removing plaque and
bacteria, they have small heads and the newer models have timers (2
minutes) so it tells you how long to brush your teeth. Ask your
dentist or dental hygienist for more information on the Braun Oral-B
Plaque removers.
Step
2: Healthy Flossing
Did you
know that brushing only cleans 3 out of your 5 tooth surfaces.
That is why you need to clean daily between teeth to prevent caries and
gum disease. It is important to floss before you brush your teeth
to remove the plaque and bacteria so the fluoride in the toothpaste can
get between the teeth.
Click on
an image to see an enlargement.
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Take
about 40-45cm of floss/tape and wind the floss around the middle
fingers (all on one finger and a little on the other finger) and
grip floss firmly with index finger and thumb.
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Guide
the floss gently and carefully between upper and lower teeth
using a back and forth motion. (Avoid “snapping” the
floss against the gum) |
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Curve
the floss around the tooth, like a “C” shape and gently
guide floss up and down each side of tooth to remove plaque.
Don’t forget to floss behind the very last tooth. |
Floss a
couple of teeth then move the floss along so you are using a new section
of floss. If your gums bleed or feel tender after flossing don’t be
alarmed. The gums often take a little time to become accustomed to
flossing. If bleeding persists, see your dental hygienist or
dentist.
What
type of floss should I use?
Depending
on the size of your interdental spaces (between the teeth) and the
condition of your gums, your dental hygienist or dentist may recommend a
floss, tape, super floss or interdental brushes to clean between the
teeth.
Step
3: The Correct
Toothpaste
Select
a quality tooth and gum care toothpaste that contains fluoride, to help
strengthen teeth, and an anti-bacterial agent to help fight plaque.
A few recommended brands are Colgate Total, Aim with Baking Soda
and Macleans Whitening Toothpaste.
These all contain Triclosan, a clinically proven anti-plaque agent.
Current research indicates that you should only spit out the
toothpaste rather than rinse with water after brushing your teeth.
Step
4: Eating for Healthy
Teeth
Reduce
the risk of decay by eating healthy foods. Plaque reacts with
sugary, acidic foods and drinks to form acid which if left on the teeth
attacks the tooth enamel and causes cavities.
Replace
sweets with fresh fruits and vegetables and eat foods rich in fibre.
If you do eat sweets, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly after
snacking.
Remember:
Step
5: Visit your Dental Hygienist and Dentist Regularly
Your
dental hygienist and dentist are the experts whom you can trust.
Regular visits will help you to ensure that you are doing all you
can to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
With regular visits, problem areas will be spotted before severe
damage is done.
Ask
your dentist or dental hygienist for more information, work together
with them to “keep your teeth for life”. |
