Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth at least twice a day

Two minutes is the recommended time. If you face difficulties in using a manual toothbrush, use an electronic toothbrush instead.

Floss

Your teeth at least once at night before sleeping. Tooth brushing alone cannot remove bacteria and food particles in between your teeth. Floss or other interdental aids need to be used to remove these bacteria and food debris.

Cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper or toothbrush

can help to remove bad breath caused by bacteria and food debris on your tongue.

Use toothpaste that contains fluoride,

which helps to strengthen your teeth and prevents tooth decay.

Saliva

contains minerals such as fluoride, calcium and phosphate that help to destroy bacteria and re-mineralize damaged tooth enamel. In addition, it has antibacterial properties that help control bacterial population.

Stay hydrated

by drinking the daily recommended amount of water. Avoid drinks like coffee, tea and alcohol as they are diuretics that lower saliva’s protective functions.

Avoid smoking

as it can also reduce salivary flow. Furthermore, smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis, i.e. a severe form of gum disease. In addition, smoking can also lower the chance of success of some treatments.

Avoid frequent snacking on sugary and acidic foods and drinks.

If you have to snack, choose healthier choice like fruits and nuts. They are better for your overall health and your teeth. If such drinks had to be taken, using a straw will allow minimal contact with teeth.

See your dentist and your Oral Health Therapist at least twice a year.

Any signs of oral diseases can be detected earlier thus prolonging the longevity of your teeth.

Professional cleaning

of your teeth by a dentist should also be done regularly to prevent oral diseases.

Change your toothbrush every three months

or earlier if its bristles are sprayed, or when your cold or flu virus has run its course to prevent re-infection.

Eating fresh fruit and vegetables

is not only good for your health; it is also good for your teeth. The fibres from these fruits or vegetables can also help to remove some bacteria in your mouth.

Foods that promote dental decay and gum disease:

All sugars including honey, sugary drinks and colas and lemonades, refined carbohydrates such as chips, cookies, white bread etc Chocolates, sweets and toffees.

Foods that prevent dental decay and gum disease:

Fibrous fruits like apples, oranges, pears, bananas etc. Milk products such as cheese, milk and yogurt Eggs, and nuts Vegetables like celery, lettuce, carrots, cucumber etc.

Preventive Dental Care:

Regular application of fluorides on the teeth of children from the age of 2 years has proven to confer resistance against tooth decay. Some areas of the molar teeth have thin crevices on the biting surfaces known as fissures which are difficult to clean. These areas harbor bacteria and thus very often the beginning areas for cavities. This can be prevented by sealing off these fissures with special resins known as pit and fissure sealants.

Replace Missing Teeth.

Teeth are an integral part of the oral cavity. Any spaces created by missing or extracted teeth prove disastrous for the opposing teeth, adjacent teeth, bone structure and gums. Missing teeth can be replaced by removable denture, bridges or dental implants.

Have a Positive Attitude:

Stress could be the reason for high acid content in the saliva hence deteriorating the health of the teeth and the gums. So stay positive, Be happy and Smile those teeth problems away!!