Oral Hygiene
What is good hygiene?
Bacteria can live in your mouth in the form of plaque, causing cavities and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. In order to keep your mouth clean, you must practice good oral hygiene every day.
A mouth rinse, in addition to daily brushing and flossing, can increase the cleanliness of your mouth. Antimicrobial mouth rinses reduce bacteria and plaque activity, which cause gingivitis and gum disease. Fluoride mouth rinses also help reduce and prevent tooth decay. Healthy gums should be pink, and should not bleed or hurt when you brush/floss.
How is good Hygiene practiced?
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is one of the most important things you can do for your overall oral hygiene.
There are a few simple steps you can take that will significantly reduce your risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. These steps include:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste.
- Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash or a mouthwash approved by your dentist.
- Eating a balanced diet, with low amounts of sugar and limit snacks between meals.
- Try, when possible to drink fluoridated water.
- Stay hydrated.
How to brush your teeth properly
There are a few simple tips that will help you brush your teeth effectively, these include:
- Placing your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the teeth and gums.
- Gently move the brush from the gums onto the teeth.
- Brush the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of all teeth in this motion.
- Use the top of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth while using a gentle up and down stroke.
- Brush your tongue and lightly brush inside of your cheeks to freshen your breath.
How to floss correctly
Flossing is imperative in maintaining good oral hygiene, please find tips below on how to effectively remove plaque from between the teeth:
- Firstly break off about 12 centimetres of floss and wind it around the middle finger of each hand and hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
- Guide the floss between your teeth.
- Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a ‘C’ shape against one tooth.
- Then, gently slide the floss into the space between the tooth and gum.
- Then, bring the floss back toward the contact point between the two teeth and move the floss up and down the other side of the tooth, while again conforming the floss to the shape of the tooth (i.e. the ‘C’ shape).
- Next, hold the floss tightly against the other tooth and gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
- Repeat the above steps with the rest of your teeth.
If you have further questions about keeping up these good oral habits, please contact our team.
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Opening Hours
Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Weekends and Public Holidays: Closed