Caring for your teeth & gums

Top Dental Health Tips

• Stop Smoking

• Use a fluoride tooth paste with the word "TOTAL" on the label - this contains fluoride, anti-bacterial and anti tartar agents which protect against dental decay, plaque and hard deposit accumulation on the tooth surface

• Do not rinse out toothpaste after brushing, this will allow the fluoride to remain in contact with the enamel for a longer period, just spit out what is left

• Make sure your toothbrush is kept clean and changed regularly, at least every 2-3 months

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use some form of brush or floss to clean in between your teeth

                                                 

        Tooth Brushing                         Tooth Flossing

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• Chewing sugar free gum, especially with Xylitol, will help neutralise plaque acids by increasing salivary flow and help repair enamel by remineralisation

• Sugar comes in many disguises, so check labels for: sucrose, fructose, malodextrin, glucose, maltose and honey

• Finish your meal with a cube of cheese, this will help neutralise plaque acids, helping to prevent dental decay

• Make sure you drink plenty of water and are properly hydrated, as this affects salivary flow. Saliva is very important in helping to maintain the health of the teeth and gums

• Attend your regular check up appointments with your dentist, a dental problem identified early is easier to manage and treat.