Oral Health Care
Caring for Your SmileDental Hygiene
Prevention is better than cure goes the old saying.
This is very true in dentistry as many people (including dentists) do not like going to the dentist. Simple oral hygiene measures can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
National Smile Month
The British Dental Health Foundation run each year a National Smile Month campaign to promote simple measures that can help everyone look after their teeth.
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
- Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
- Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend
Electric tooth brushes can be more effective than manual brushing but they are not used in the same way a manual brush is used. Simply hold the electric brush against each tooth for 2 seconds and then move to the next tooth. Do not move the brush during this 2 second period, simply hold it steady against the tooth. Moving it like a manual brush will make it less effective!
Cleaning between the teeth with special brushes or Dental Floss also also and excellent way to reduce the risk of tooth decay. If you have gum disease it is essential that you clean between the teeth once very day.