Dentist Recommended Oral Hygiene Routine

Do you want a whiter and healthier smile? If so, you need to make good oral hygiene a priority. The majority of people understand the importance of taking care of their teeth and know that brushing twice a day is important - but what else do the professionals recommend? The experts here at Forestside Dental Practice have put together the ultimate guide to oral hygiene. Follow our advice and you will have a beautiful smile and healthy teeth for many years to come.

Choose The Right Toothbrush

If you want to take the best care of your teeth, you need to be using a good toothbrush. We know that you can pick up a manual plastic brush for around £1 in the supermarket, but you are unlikely to achieve an optimal clean with this. Yes, good brushing techniques can go a long way, but if you want teeth and gums that are as healthy as possible, we recommend purchasing an electric toothbrush.

The best electric toothbrushes available on the market today are those that rotate, oscillate and pulsate. By using a variety of brushing patterns, electric toothbrushes are able to remove more plaque and reach all areas of the teeth and gums. We recommend Oral B and Phillips Sonicare electric toothbrushes, as these products are expertly designed to maintain excellent oral hygiene.

Establish A Brush & Floss Routine

If you want to keep your natural smile for life, you need to be committed to brushing and flossing your teeth every day. Making new routines as an adult isn't always easy, and this is why we encourage all parents to introduce brushing as soon as their child's baby teeth come through. If you establish a good oral hygiene routine in childhood, it is much more likely to become a regular habit.

Teeth need to be brushed twice a day with a good quality toothbrush and appropriate toothpaste. Adults should use a toothpaste that contains between 1350 and 1500ppm of fluoride. Children will need a toothpaste with less fluoride - for example, a child between the ages of 3 and 6 should brush with a toothpaste containing 1000ppm of fluoride.

For the best (and easiest to remember) brushing routine, we recommend cleaning your teeth straight after breakfast in the morning and just before going to bed. By stacking brushing on top of other daily habits, you are much more likely to remember and solidify toothbrushing into your morning and evening routine. Remember, brush your teeth for two minutes and scrub your tongue to remove excess mouth bacteria.

Alongside brushing, it is also important to floss at least once a day. Even an electric toothbrush can miss pieces of food stuck between your teeth. In fact, flossing before brushing has been found to have the best cleaning results. If you find flossing tricky, use interdental brushes to deep clean between each tooth. At Forestside, we supply a range of dental products that can help you with your oral hygiene routine. Just speak to your dentist or any of the helpful team at reception.

Rinse With an Antibacterial Mouthwash

It can be unpleasant to think about, but our mouths are full of bacteria. Scientists state that there are, in fact, billions of different bacteria inside the mouth and issues can occur when there is an imbalance. When bad bacteria are allowed to thrive, gum disease and infections can develop.

Gingivitis is a common problem, causing bleeding gums and inflammation. To prevent gum disease and keep your mouth bacteria in check, we recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash daily. It is best to either use mouthwash before brushing or at a different time in the day. After lunch is a popular choice. Using mouthwash straight after brushing can remove any excess toothpaste in the mouth, which you want there to keep your teeth cleaner for longer.

Attend Regular Dental Check Ups

Dentists are trained to spot tooth and gum problems early on. If you miss your routine check ups, early signs of common conditions can be missed, leading to avoidable pain and treatment later on. It is not necessary for everyone to attend routine check ups every six months. Depending on your existing oral hygiene and specific dental needs, you may need to see a dentist every 3 months or leave 2 years between appointments.

If you have a recurring dental issue that needs to be closely monitored, try your best not to miss your appointments. Also, we recommend booking a consultation to find out the best dental care plan for you. Some patients require frequent visits with the hygienist, whereas root canal patients may need to visit their dentist for after care or further procedures. All of our advice above is important, but daily brushing, flossing and rinsing doesn't mean you should skip your check ups with the dentist.

More Ways To Look After Your Teeth

Establishing a good oral hygiene routine is essential if you want your teeth to stay healthy and white but there are other factors to take into consideration too. To keep your teeth strong, gums healthy and smile sparkling, remember to do the following:

• Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet (this includes food and drink)
• Avoid smoking
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Take vitamins known to improve oral health (Vitamin C, D and A are all linked to improved oral health)

Keep Your Teeth & Gums Healthy With Forestside Dental

At Forestside Dental Practice, we offer several dental care treatments and procedures. Our state-of-the-art and welcoming practice is based in Dibden Purlieu and we treat patients all over Hampshire.

To find out the best oral care routine for you, book a consultation today. If you would like to speak to a member of staff, call us on 023 8087 9088 or fill in our online contact form. We look forward to helping you keep your smile bright and healthy.