Top 5 Tips for Great Dental Health

A healthy smile starts with you! You’ve been told time and time again to brush your teeth in the morning and at night, and floss every day. Great oral health goes deeper than that, though.

Just like you routinely have your morning coffee or commute to work, you should routinely take care of your teeth too. Falling into a tooth care routine can save you from costly and painful problems down the line, like cavities, gingivitis, and even losing teeth.

Regular visits to your dentist are also important, but they don’t replace the daily care that you should be giving your smile at home. Northern Beaches Dental, the leading dentist in Frenchs Forest, shares some lesser-known tips to super-charge your dental health.

1. Brush Gently

Brush your teeth in a gentle, circular motion. Brushing your teeth too hard is just as damaging as not brushing them at all. Excessive force strips away gum tissue that protects the roots of your teeth. This makes your teeth more susceptible to plaque build-up and bacteria, which eventually leads to gingivitis.

2. Floss Before Brushing

Next time you’re getting ready for bed and reach for the toothbrush, grab the floss first instead. Flossing removes plaque and food from between your teeth and in areas that your toothbrush can’t reach. If you brush first, all of that plaque and food continue to sit on the surface of your teeth. If you brush afterward, you can wipe it all away.

3. Limit Sugary and Acidic Foods

Sugars and acids found in your foods and drinks are two of the leading causes of cavities. This is because sugar and acid weaken the enamel of your teeth and make them more susceptible to bacteria.

Limiting added sugar has many benefits beyond saving your teeth, but the same can’t be said for oranges, grapefruits, lemons, all of which contain many citric acids but are otherwise good for your health.

When you do consume sugary or acidic foods, wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth. If you brush too soon after eating, you risk damaging your enamel when it is still in a weakened state.

4. Don’t Forget About Your Tongue

The final step to properly brushing your teeth is scraping your tongue. Plaque and bacteria can build up on your tongue throughout the day. This can cause bad breath and, over time, lead to a host of oral health problems. Do yourself a favour and gently brush your tongue when you brush your teeth.

5. See Your Dentist Twice a Year

If you follow all of the advice above, your regular dental check-ups should be a breeze. However, even impeccable oral health at home is no match for a professional cleaning. At your appointment, your dentist will remove plaque build-up and look for cavities and other issues.

Northern Beaches Dental wants to help your healthy smile last longer. We offer dental check-ups and general dentistry in Frenchs Forest. Chat with us online or call us on 02 9190 6925 to book your appointment today.