HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR SMILE IN 2019

Are you and your family giving your teeth the care they need?

If you’ve been putting off a dental visit, you want to avoid toothaches or there’s something you want to change about your smile, make a New Year’s resolution to take great care of your teeth in 2019.

Here are some places to start.

Brush and floss every day

Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day – ideally in the morning and before going to sleep. This should be done for 2 minutes each time, spending around 30 seconds on each corner of your mouth. Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue and gums too.

Using fluoride toothpaste helps to protect your teeth against plaque. Young children should avoid having too much fluoride and should use a special low-fluoride children’s toothpaste until the age of 6.

It doesn’t matter whether you use an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, but some people find using an electric toothbrush easier. You should replace your toothbrush or change your electric toothbrush head every 3 months or when the bristles become frayed.

Flossing is also important for oral hygiene. You should floss between your teeth once a day to remove trapped food and plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.

Follow a tooth-friendly diet

Food and drink high in sugar and acids can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Sugar feeds bacteria living on your teeth in plaque, which produce acid that wears down the enamel surface of the teeth and can form cavities. Cutting down on sugary snacks, soft drinks, sports drinks and fruit juices can help to keep decay at bay.

Food and drink with strong pigments – such as red wine, tea, coffee and berries – can also stain your teeth. You can reduce this effect by rinsing your mouth with water. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day also helps to get rid of bacteria and can reduce bad breath.

Protect your teeth from accidents

If you or your kids play sports or other activities that put your teeth and jaws at risk of injury, you can lower the risk of a dental emergency by wearing a mouthguard.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a custom-fitted mouthguard provided by a dentist rather than a generic product bought in a store. Custom mouthguards for children offer superior protection as well as being more comfortable to wear.

Keep up with your dental visits

Visiting your dentist for a regular check-up and clean is also important for lowering your risk of dental disease.

Dentists can spot the signs of oral health problems before they have a chance to become more serious. They can also monitor the development of children’s teeth to identify any treatments that could be beneficial. Professional teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments also help to keep teeth free from decay.

If you’re thinking about a cosmetic treatment to change the appearance of your smile, you can ask your dentist if they offer treatments such as teeth whitening or veneers. They’ll make sure you have a realistic idea of what to expect from these treatments and that you know the possible risks before making your decision.

Talk to a dentist in Erskineville today

Do you need to talk to a dentist, or is it time for your check-up? Contact our friendly team at Sydney Park Dental to make an appointment with our dentists at a time that’s convenient for you.

Call (02) 8084 7170 or book an appointment online.

References

Healthdirect. Dental care [Online] 2017 [Accessed December 2018] Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dental-care