Oral health is vitally important for confidence, ageing well and keeping the whole body healthy. As a dentist in Soho, we are often asked about the best ways to keep the teeth and gums in good condition. Here at PS Dental Care, we offer many treatments that can help to resolve any issues our patients have, so that they can have a healthy smile they feel proud of. This guide explores what patients can do to minimise the need for intervention and maintain good oral health well into old age.
Get clean
Keeping the teeth free from food debris, plaque and tartar is essential for healthy teeth and gums. Any patient who has not had an appointment with our dentist in Soho for a while should contact us to arrange a scale and polish as well as a check-up. The scale and polish is a professional clean that removes plaque and any other debris much more thoroughly than is possible at home. Getting this treatment offers a good starting point for establishing an at-home oral care routine.
Most people brush their teeth every day, but many fail to complete the necessary full two minutes of cleaning. This makes the occurrence of plaque and bacteria, as well as bad breath, much more likely. Using a timer on a mobile phone is the easiest way to ensure that a person is brushing for long enough.
It is also important to use a good fluoride toothpaste. This helps to strengthen the teeth and protect the enamel. Some patients may benefit from using specialist toothpastes, which can be recommended on an individual basis by our dentist in Soho.
As well as brushing twice daily, we also recommend flossing or using interdental brushes once per day. Floss and interdental brushes are used to clean in between the teeth, helping to keep the teeth and gums healthy and the breath smelling fresh. The best time to do this is before bed, as debris left on the teeth overnight can compromise oral health.
Be mindful about diet
Most people know that eating lots of chocolate and sweets is bad for the teeth, but it is not just the obvious sources of sugar that can affect the condition of the teeth and gums. Many packaged and convenience foods contain more sugar than is good for oral health. If buying ready meals or pre-prepared foods, it is a good idea to check the packaging to find out how much sugar they contain and consider lower sugar or other alternatives.
It is also worth considering what beverages are being consumed on a regular basis. Fizzy drinks (even no or low sugar versions) and wine, for example, are acidic which can damage the enamel.
Enamel is important for protecting the teeth from damage and cavities, and without enough of it, the teeth become very vulnerable. Tap water usually contains fluoride, which helps to maintain tooth enamel. Therefore, it is a good idea to drink mostly water and keep other drinks as occasional treats.
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