Good Oral Hygiene

Brushing

Choose a soft toothbrush with a small head and always use fluoride toothpaste. Hold the toothbrush at an angle of 45 degrees, facing upwards and aim at the gumline, jiggle the brush in small, half tooth movements. Finish with a gentle back and forth motion on the biting surfaces of your back teeth. You should brush your teeth twice a day. Change your toothbrush every two months to maintain the bristles, which ensures that they always get a proper clean, and that harmful bacteria do not build up on the the bristles.

Flossing

Flossing removes food particles between your teeth that you toothbrush misses. Use enough floss so you can hold the ends comfortably in your hands. Wind it around your index fingers and support it across your thumbs (which should be held closely together). Run the floss between your teeth and move up and down on each tooth. If your teeth are spaced closely together, waxed floss or dental tape may be better.

Visit your dentist regularly

It is recommended that you visit your dentist at least once every six months for a professional clean to remove tartar build up. This will help to ensure, in combination with the above, that your teeth and gums remain healthy for life.

Plaque, Tartar and Gingivitis

Your mouth is constantly under attack by germs (bacteria), causing problems, some of which could lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Germs (bacteria) produce acids which attack tooth enamel, causing decay, inflammation and bleeding gums. Germs (bacteria) can be found above and just below the gum line, between teeth and on the tongue.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, nearly invisible film of germs (bacteria) that builds up on all the surfaces of your teeth. If left on your teeth, plaque can cause cavities and gum irritation leading to the gum disease gingivitis.

What will gingivitis do if left untreated?

Untreated gingivitis (gum disease) is a major cause of tooth loss among adults. Red swollen and bleeding gums may indicate gingivitis.

Some facts about plaque:

  • Plaque starts to form as soon as 4 hours after brushing.
  • Plaque attracts other tartar (calculus) forming germs in saliva.
  • If plaque is not removed in it’s soft stage, it hardens into tartar.
  • Tartar is the rough, crusty build up that commonly forms along the gum line.
  • Once formed, only a dentist can remove tartar.

Problems can develop from tartar build up. Your teeth feel rough and unclean. New germs, which become trapped in tartar, are harder to remove with your toothbrush. Professional cleanings may take longer and could be more involved as cleaning above and below the gum line may be necessary.

How can I fight tartar build up?

  • Brushing twice daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily to remove food particles brushing may have missed to avoid the build up of germs.
  • Visiting your dentist regularly to ensure your teeth and gums remain strong and healthy for life.