A recent survey of 2,000 millennials found that three in ten brush their teeth only once a day. Not only that, but many go without brushing for over two days at a time. And despite that fact that 56 % are concerned about losing their teeth, the survey showed that over half were afraid of going to see the dentist.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste,and flossing once a day,to keep your oral health in good shape. Proper brushing and flossing is the most effective way to rid your teeth of plaque: the build up of food particles and harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Dental disease is not inevitable
A beautiful smile is sought after and celebrated in our culture — it’s one of the first things people notice about us. Luckily, a gorgeous smile, pearly white teeth and fresh breath are easily achieved with good daily dental hygiene habits.
By taking just a few minutes each day to brush and floss the right way, you can help avoid the discomfort and expense of dental treatment down the road.
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is literally in your hands. Effective oral hygiene is essential to keeping your teeth for a lifetime.
The good news is that practicing good effective oral hygiene is simpler and easier than you think.
Changing some health habits can be challenging – as you may know if you’ve ever tried to go on a diet, stop smoking, or drinking alcohol, but changing oral health habits is relatively easy. Daily tooth–brushing and flossing routines can be made simpler and more effective by not much more than just a slight alteration in your technique. And the changes you’ll notice are almost instant.
“Start the way you mean to carry on,”is especially important for children. As adults, changing bad dental hygiene habits into good ones is more challenging, but you can get that “just had my teeth cleaned at the dentist’s feeling,” every day with a little time and practice.
The most important lesson you’ll learn at your dentist
Hold your toothbrush gently,like a paintbrush, or pen or pencil — not with a fist grip. You may be surprised to know that the motion and pressure needed are minimal, since gum tissues are soft and easily damaged. A modified gentle “circular” technique is best. Hold the toothbrush bristles — a SOFT toothbrush is recommended — at about 45 degrees into the gum line, then gently use circular motion being sure to brush over the gums as well.
A toothbrush should generally last for at least three months,if used correctly. When the bristles become worn or splayed, it’s time for a new one
It very important floss once a day. Easy, right? Use the floss by forming a “C”shape by wrapping it around each tooth surface and moving it up and down vertically and gently under the gumline for 3–4 strokes. Clean each side of the tooth where it contacts the next tooth.
At your regular dental check up you’ll get a full teeth cleaning and a complete evaluation of your oral health, including screening for oral cancer.
Book now for your check up!
Dental at Lake Haven Phone 4392 6466 admin@dentalatlakehaven.com.au dentalatlakehaven.com.au
Dental at Kanwal Phone 4393 0020 admin@dentalatkanwal.com.au dentalatkanwal.com.au
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