At Blockhouse Bay Dental Centre, we provide the highest quality of preventative care from an experienced team of hygienists and oral health therapists. We know that the better shape your teeth and gums are in, the less treatment you’ll need, and the longer your teeth will last.
Below, you can read more about some easy tips that will keep your smile looking healthy in between your visits with us.
The Basics of Brushing
The aim of brushing your teeth is to remove plaque from the surface. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush, which is effective while not damaging your gums or the enamel of your teeth.
When it comes to your brushing technique, be sure to use a gentle, massaging motion for 2-3 minutes. Try timing yourself, as most people think they’re brushing for longer than they truly are. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums, then move back and forth in short strokes. Remember to do the outer, inner and chewing surfaces. You should brush your tongue, too, to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.
The Basics of Flossing
You can use basic dental floss, pics, sticks or special brushes to floss, many of which are available at our dental shop. If you have a bridge, you’ll need a floss threader or superfloss to clean under it.
You’ll need about 35 centimetres of floss, wound around your middle fingers with about a centimetre of floss in between. Holding it tightly between thumbs and forefingers, guide it between teeth with a gentle rubbing motion. As you reach the gumline, curve it against a tooth, moving up and away from the gum. Repeat it on the opposite side, then move to a new space and repeat the process.
When Electric Toothbrushes Are Appropriate
If you’ve had great oral health while using a manual toothbrush, you likely don’t need to switch to an electric toothbrush. If you would like a boost to your routines, however, an electric toothbrush can make a big difference. You’ll still brush for a full two minutes, and many brushes have a built-in timer.
The technique is different since you won’t need to move the brush. Start in one corner of the mouth, then move the brush slowly along your teeth. Make a second path from the same starting point but slightly lower so that you clean every part of the teeth to where they meet the gums.
We have electric toothbrushes in stock at prices lower than you’ll find in supermarkets.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
With so many kinds of toothpaste available, how do you choose which is right for you? Fluoride is a necessary ingredient to reduce dental decay. Do not use a smoker’s toothpaste as they are abrasive. If you have sensitive teeth, you’ll want a toothpaste made to target this issue. Whitening toothpastes may remove surface stains but won’t change the intrinsic colour of the teeth. A children’s toothpaste has a lower content of fluoride and a mild taste for those under 5.
Preventing Tooth Decay
The bacteria in our mouths are always there. They can thrive on sugars, which are turned into the acids that cause decay. Even sugar-free drinks aren’t safe, as the acids in them also attack the teeth. Every time you take a drink or bite of sugary food, the bacteria go to work for 50 minutes. That’s why frequent snacking is so harmful to teeth. When you do eat, make healthy choices like vegetables, dairy products, water milk, coffee or tea.
The Cause of Tooth Sensitivity
If your teeth are sensitive, it can be from decay, a leaky filling, nerve irritation or abrasions from overbrushing. We can identify the source of your sensitivity and provide the appropriate treatment.
Contact us today to learn more about oral hygiene Blockhouse Bay or to book your checkup! All health funds are accepted.