Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one’s mouth healthy by brushing the teeth and cleaning between them regularly.
Oral Hygiene
The most common types of dental diseases are tooth decay and gum diseases, particularly gingivitis and periodontitis.
General guidelines suggest brushing two times a day: after breakfast and before going to bed, but ideally, the mouth should be cleaned 30 minutes after every meal.
Getting the food particles out from between the teeth is as important as brushing your teeth.
A toothbrush cannot reach the areas between the teeth and only removes about 50% of plaque from the surface of your teeth.
The tools needed to clean between the teeth include floss, flossettes, and interdental brushes.
Where does tooth decay come from?
Your mouth is home to clusters of bacteria that feed on your food and drinks.
These bacteria can cause tooth decay by feeding on the sugars in the foods and beverages we consume to grow, leaving behind waste in the form of dental plaque.
This plaque allows bacteria to stick around your teeth longer until they make acids, which erode the tooth enamel and cause cavities.
The bacteria in the plaque formation near the gums produce toxic products that enter the gum tissues, causing gingivitis.
If left ignored, gingivitis can become periodontitis, a more severe complication in which there are bone and tissue losses.
The bacteria in your mouth that produce acids are fed by the food you eat.
Sweet treats are the most common culprits, but there are others that you might not realise can cause damage. Starches—such as bread, crackers, and cereal—also cause acid formation.
The dental plaque produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, sensitive, and prone to bleeding.
This can result in gum disease, in which gums recede and form pockets filled with bacteria and pus.
If ignored, the bone around the teeth can be destroyed, and teeth may loosen or have to be removed.
Oral hygiene tips by your Deer Park dentist
Here are some oral hygiene tips that will help keep your teeth in top condition:
Brushing
Brushing your teeth helps remove food particles left in your mouth after eating. Brush your teeth at least twice a day – after breakfast and before sleeping.
Spend at least 2 minutes brushing. Position the toothbrush bristles directly at the gum line, as this is where plaque begins to form.
Brush your teeth gently in a circular motion, which will clean away as much plaque from the gums as possible.
- Position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums
- Move your toothbrush back and forth in short strokes
- Include the outer and the inner tooth surfaces, as well as the chewing surfaces
- Clean the insides of the front teeth, using the tip of the brush
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove the bacteria and to freshen your breath
Flossing
Just like brushing, flossing helps keep your teeth free from food particles, but cleans the areas your brush can’t reach.
- Use 18 inches of dental floss and leave at least one or two inches to work with
- Gently run the floss up and down between the teeth
- Glide the floss beneath the gum line but avoid snapping the floss on the gums
- Use a new strand of floss for every tooth to prevent returning the debris or plaque to your teeth
Mouthwash
Rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash is also important in removing bacterial plaque. It cleans your gums and keeps your breath fresh for a long time.
Oral Hygiene at Deer Park Dental Surgery
Prevention is always preferable than cure. At Deer Park Surgery Supreme, we want to help you avoid dental issues by giving you tips on proper oral hygiene techniques.
Deer Park dentist also serves the local communities in Albanvale, Kings Park, Cairnlea, St Albans, Ardeer, Albion, Sunshine West, Derrimut, Burnside, and Caroline Springs.
To find out more about dental sealants or to book an appointment, call (03) 9360 4417 or come and visit us at T097A Brimbank Shopping Centre Neale Road in Deer Park.
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Have Some Questions?
What Insurances Do You Accept?
All insurances are accepted with HICAPS. We are preferred provider for NIB and HCF
Is there public transport available?
We are located in a busy medical centre in Brimbank Shopping Centre with plenty of cafes and shops nearby.
Easily accessible via public transportation (bus stop within walking distance)