Aftercare
A complete dental service should offer not only top quality dentistry, but also advice on care for teeth and gums between appointments. Everybody is unique and will require different advice at different times — and also depends on your circumstances, age and health history.
While our advice will vary from person to person, here are a few basic important preventative strategies:
- Nutrition: Avoid food and drinks that are high in sugar such as biscuits and soft drinks. Have regular, healthy meals and try to cut out between-meal snacks. If you do need something extra eat fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Good personal oral hygiene: You will need to be diligent in removing food debris that becomes trapped between teeth. Brushing twice a day with a soft round bristle toothbrush (unless otherwise recommended) is important. Also, remember to replace your toothbrush every two to three months, and change your toothbrush after an illness.
- When you’re brushing your teeth along the gum line: Make sure to angle your brush 45 degrees so it goes against your teeth and gums. Move your toothbrush back and forth in small, circular round strokes. The correct brushing motion is more like massaging along the gum line rather than vigorous brushing.
- Use toothpaste with added fluoride: In order to stop plaque from forming between teeth, you should floss your teeth daily. Floss against the end-side of the tooth and scale the floss up-and-down several times. Keep dental floss in your purse, in your desk drawer or in your car for use when needed. Your tongue is a major source of plaque and bad breath. Brush your tongue gently with your toothbrush twice daily (when you brush your teeth).
- Regular visits: This will help us to pick up little issues before they develop into a major problem.