Prevention is the Long-term Solution

Why is Preventive Dentistry Important?

Preventive Dentistry is an integral part of keeping your mouth healthy and free of decay, which contributes to a serious health condition called periodontitis (gum disease). I know these facts may seem boring, but if you like eating, chewing, kissing and talking, please read how to brush, floss and observe what the symptoms of gum disease are.

Did you know?

An estimated 80% of adults will be affected by gum disease at some point in their lifetime, which is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. However, with a preventative home-care program we can diagnose and treat gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease in its early stages, potentially reversing any ill effects. Don’t you think sitting back, relaxing in our comfy chairs, watching NetFlix on our 49-inch tv, or chilling out listening to the music of your choice is far easier than booking long treatments? Something to consider, yeah?!

Can my Oral Health Affect more than my Mouth?

Unfortunately, yes! The need to prevent gum disease extends beyond your oral health. It is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, and lower birth weights in newborns.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

A side effect and perhaps the most embarrassing symptom of gum disease, which most sufferers are unaware of, is constant bad breath. The smell is caused by the accumulation of ever-present bacteria in the mouth, exacerbated by poor oral hygiene, producing an unpleasant odour. Other symptoms can include bleeding gums and inflammation. A preventative at-home oral health program should include regular brushing, flossing, and diet review.

How to brush your teeth:

1. Use a toothbrush with soft, nylon, round-ended bristles, so it does not scratch your tooth enamel and irritate or damage your gums.
2. Place bristles along your gumline at a 45° angle. The bristles should contact both the tooth surface and gumline.
3. Brushing 2-3 teeth at a time, gently brush the outer tooth surfaces using a back and forward motion for several seconds before moving to the next group of 2-3 teeth and repeat.
4. Keeping your brush at a 45° angle with bristles contacting the tooth surface and gumline, repeat the same motion along the inner tooth surfaces.
5. To clean behind your front teeth, hold your brush vertically and make several up and down strokes using the tip of your brush.
6. To effectively clean your back teeth, place the brush on the biting surface of the teeth and use a gentle back and forward sweeping motion. Be sure to clean the inner and outer surfaces of your back teeth.
7. To freshen your breath, brush your tongue from back to front to remove odour-producing bacteria. This may feel uncomfortable initially, but it’s essential to your cleaning routine.
8. It is highly recommended to replace your toothbrush every three months or after illness – whichever comes first.

How do I floss my teeth?

Although most people brush regularly, many do not include flossing as part of their daily routine. Yet, flossing is essential to achieve and maintain your oral health. Brushing alone cannot remove all the plaque build-up and food particles, especially when caught in the tiny spaces between your teeth, under the gumline, or between braces. Flossing these spaces is the only effective way to remove what your toothbrush cannot reach.

1. We recommend you floss at night before bed to remove any food accumulated from meals and snacks throughout the day.
2. Using a back and forward motion, carefully insert the floss between two teeth. Gently bring the floss to the gumline, but do not force it below the gum. Instead, curve the floss around the side of your tooth to make a rounded “V” shape and slide it up and down the side of each tooth.
3. Use a new length of floss of about 7cm – 10cm for each tooth and repeat the process between all your teeth. Remember also to floss the back and sides of your back teeth.

Remember…

To save yourself time and money, when you take daily action to prevent any long-term Dental Treatments from occurring, you reap the rewards. Adding a few quick and simple dental care practices into your daily routine will maintain oral health and hygiene. If you are unsure of your current oral hygiene status and would like us to check your teeth aimed at preventing issues down the track, call us at Queen & Albert. We’ll set up an appointment and make you a dental plan suited to your mouth and lifestyle.