Caring for our teeth must be the singularly most important part of our daily health-care regime. Loss of teeth or gums makes it impossible to enjoy nutritious foods that feed our bodies.
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No matter how busy we are, it is possible to fit dental hygiene into an already-overcrowded diary.
It is important to take the time to brush and floss properly year-round, and to make booking time with your dentist as great a priority as booking your car in for a service or seeing your hairdresser.
Treating dental health as an “optional extra” can lead to problems later in life that could prove to be expensive and evasive.
A visit to the dentist is no longer the daunting event it used to be. Modern techniques and updated technology can offer pain-free treatments that could ensure you another six months of healthy teeth and gums.
Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste.
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Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head and flexible neck. Clean teeth systematically, holding the toothbrush at gumline at a 45-degree angle.
Don’t press too hard – you may damage gums and tooth enamel. Replace your toothbrush every three months.
Make daily flossing part of your oral hygiene regime. It’s essential to remove all traces of food that could become lodged in between teeth and cause decay.
Ask your dentist to demonstrate the correct flossing technique, and whether interdental brushes or floss holders will help your flossing. Children should also start flossing as soon as they have two teeth that touch.
- Limit your sugar intake, as it is the single biggest cause of tooth decay.
- Avoid fizzy drinks – fluoridated tap water is best.
- Read the ingredients label on food products, as many have hidden sugars.
- Choose teeth-friendly foods such as cheese, nuts and vegetables.
- Have regular dental check-ups.
- Be sure to visit your dentist at least once a year.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sport. Some of the most expensive dental work occurs as a result of teeth being damaged during sport.