The best oral hygiene advice from Weybridge dentist

Many of us go to the gym or exercise regularly to keep our bodies in the best shape possible. However, the increasing number of patients developing gum disease and tooth decay in the UK would seem to suggest that we are not paying the same attention to our teeth. Many people seem to think that just a cursory brush of the teeth twice a day is enough to keep the teeth clean and healthy but this really isn’t the case.

Effective oral hygiene is really important to help you avoid dental health complications in the future. Just a few extra minutes a day could make the difference and help to prevent any unnecessary damage to your teeth and gums. Weybridge dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for three minutes. Ideally this should take place after meal times, as this is when plaque is at its most damaging. Effective brushing will remove plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth, limiting the damage caused by enamel erosion from plaque acid. This will help to prevent decay, infection and ultimately tooth loss. You should ideally use a brush with soft bristles for the best cleaning and so as not to irritate gum tissue.

It is also very important to floss at least once a day. This helps to remove plaque from between the teeth and from around the base. These are areas that are notoriously very difficult to clean with a normal toothbrush. Flossing also helps to remove food particles that are trapped in between the teeth that attract bacteria and can be the cause of bad breath.

It may also be a good idea to use a tongue scraper a few times a week to rid the tongue of harmful bacteria. This will also help to prevent unpleasant bad breath. Most importantly however, you must remember to visit your dentist regularly for a check up appointment. Seeing your dentist every six months will help to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as they can be, giving you a life free from dental complication.