As we have slowly emerged from lockdown over the last number of weeks, it has been difficult to navigate some of the biggest changes to our way of life in a generation. It may seem like one of the things which isn’t a priority in such a stressful period is your oral hygiene, so we’d like to reinforce just how important it is. We do not want to see anyone have the added stress of gum disease, decay or caries.
At London Holistic Dental Centre, we always want to ensure our patients have a healthy mouth and smile for life. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the best practices for your dental hygiene, so you can have one less thing to worry about:
1. Don’t go to bed without brushing your teeth– It’s no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
2. Brush properly– The way you brush is equally important — in fact, doing a poor job of brushing your teeth is almost as bad as not brushing at all. Take your time, moving the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions to remove plaque. Unremoved plaque can harden, leading to calculus buildup and gingivitis (early gum disease). If you are unsure if you are cleaning your teeth properly ask for a demonstration at your next appointment with Annette or Maryam.
3. Don’t neglect your tongue– Bacteria can build up on your tongue and lead to bad mouth odor, it can also cause oral health problems. Gently brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper every time you clean your teeth.
4. Use whichever toothbrush works for you– Whilst there are manual and many brands of electric toothbrushes, it’s not our place to insist which you use. The important thing is that you use it at least twice daily in the correct way.
5. Treat flossing with the same importance as brushing– Many who brush regularly neglect to floss or use interdental brushes. Flossing or brushing between teeth is not just for getting those little pieces of Chinese food or broccoli that may be getting stuck, it’s really a way to stimulate the gums, reduce plaque, and help lower inflammation in the area.
6. Drink more water- Water continues to be the best beverage for your overall health — including oral health. Also, as a rule of thumb, we recommend drinking water after every meal. This can help wash out some of the negative effects of sticky and acidic foods and beverages in between brushes.
7. Limit sugary and acidic foods- Ultimately, sugar converts into acid in the mouth, which can then erode the enamel of your teeth. These acids are what lead to cavities. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee can be harmful and discolour teeth. While you don’t necessarily have to avoid such foods altogether, it doesn’t hurt to be mindful.
8. Have regular dental health appointments – Your own everyday habits are crucial to your overall oral health. Still, even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need professional help. We recommend regular check-ups with David and of course regular hygiene appointments with Annette or Maryam.
If you’d like to book an appointment call Laune on 020 7487 5221.
