The Importance of Having Proper Dental Care
The importance of having proper dental care cannot be over emphasised. Having good oral health increases your likelihood of enjoying good general health. People who neglect their oral hygiene increase their risk of developing serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This is because neglected teeth and gums allow bacteria in the mouth to enter into the bloodstream where they can go on to create infection and inflammation just about anywhere in the body.
Proper dental care only takes a few minutes each day, and it is well worth the effort! Over the course of the day plaque bacteria create a biofilm over the surface of your teeth, and this needs to be removed through proper brushing and flossing. If it is not removed then it will begin hardening into a substance called tartar within just 24 hours. This can only be removed through scaling and polishing during your biannual checkup.
A Few Tips on Dental Care Techniques
Most people are probably already aware of the need to brush thoroughly for at least 2 minutes twice a day, but good technique is important to ensure all areas are brushed. It is easiest to think of your mouth being split into four different quarters and to spend 30 seconds cleaning each quarter or quadrant. Holding the brush at a 45° angle will help ensure you brush right down to the gum line and just below, as this is the area where plaque bacteria tends to collect.
Electric toothbrushes generally have built-in timers to let you know when 30 seconds has elapsed, but if you prefer to use a manual toothbrush it can help to keep an egg timer in your bathroom. It is really down to personal preference as to whether you use an electric toothbrush or a manual brush, as properly used both will do a perfectly adequate job. If you are unsure about your brushing technique then we’d be happy to demonstrate the proper way to brush.
A proper dental care routine is not complete without flossing once-a-day. The contact areas between your teeth make up around a third of the total surface area, so it is essential to clean in between each tooth to remove plaque and food debris. There is a bit of a technique to flossing properly, and most people make the mistake of not using enough dental floss. You need to break off a length of around 45 cm, as this will ensure you can use a fresh section for each tooth. Again, we would be happy to demonstrate the correct way of flossing at your next checkup.
Regular Checkups and Scaling and Polishing
Most people need regular checkups and professional cleaning twice a year but if you have particular health issues we may ask you to come in more frequently. Your checkup will enable us to pick up any signs of disease early on, so they can be treated before they can cause any significant problems. Professional cleaning is the most effective way to keep your gums healthy, and is an important part of your dental care regime.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is far easier in the long run than neglecting them, as restorative dental treatment can be very costly and time-consuming, and of course you will have the added benefit of having a nice smile all the time.