Love your teeth – and they’ll love you back

Many of us have had the experience of unrequited love but when it comes to our teeth, any investment of time and energy is always worthwhile. It makes sense to invest some care and attention into our teeth and gums so we can keep a healthy smile for life. Read on to understand more about what you can do to maintain good oral health.

• Be an advocate for your teeth. Take a moment to consider what they would say if they could talk for themselves. A clean environment, good nutrition and avoiding harm would be high on the priority list.
• Brush for two minutes, twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth healthy and clean. Avoid rushing when brushing, take your time to remove food debris so bacteria don’t have as much opportunity to multiply.  Remember, saliva flow slows down during sleep so it’s really important to do a thorough job of tooth brushing before going to bed at night.  Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well! 
• Use a soft, small-headed toothbrush that can reach all surfaces of your teeth. Replace your toothbrush every three months and when you’ve recovered after being sick. If you struggle to use a manual toothbrush, invest in an electric one. Follow the manufacturer’s or your dentist’s instructions on how to use this properly – just like a manual brush, electric toothbrushes still need sufficient time to work effectively.  
• Clean between your teeth every day by using floss or interdental brushes. Some people like to use a combination of both, or even a water flosser. Just remember to be gentle.
• Keep a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss at work and take a couple of minutes after lunch to invest into your mouth. There’s something very refreshing and a little energising about toothbrushing midway through the day. Not to mention the social aspects of having fresh breath.
• Become familiar with the look and feel of your teeth, tongue and gums. Don’t ignore toothache in the hope that it will just go away. Pain is generally a sign of problems and always needs checking. Make an appointment with your dentist if you have a toothache, or if there are any changes in your teeth or mouth.  
• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet that is low in sugar and refined products. All forms of sugar can be damaging to teeth, not just what’s in sweets and sugar crystals. Fruit juice, muesli bars, energy and soft drinks, and even sauces can all contain high amounts of sugar. Get into the habit of reading information panels on food and checking how much sugar is contained.
• Visit your dentist regularly, every six months, or as often as recommended. Your dentist will be able to guide you on preventative strategies to maintain your oral health and treat any problems before they become more complex.  Sometimes early detection by dental professionals is the only way to know about oral health changes.
• Drink plenty of water, especially if you’ve had a respiratory infection. We all tend to ‘mouth breathe’ when we have a blocked nose, which can impact the protective benefits of saliva. Sips of water can help to keep the mouth healthy.

Speak with your dentist and book an appointment today to find out more about how to share the love with your teeth.

References
Home Page (teeth.org.au)