At Drummoyne Dental Practice, we encourage that patients not only attend their six-monthly check-up and clean appointments, but also take their oral hygiene into their own hands at home. Without a complete oral hygiene routine, plaque and calculus can build up, which can lead to decay.
Our dentists recommend that patients floss at least once a day, before bed, and brush their teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, after breakfast and after dinner. Brushing after your meal instead of before will make sure that food and plaque will not stay on your teeth for long periods of time. If you have had any acidic food, like orange juice or wine, you should wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to prevent any tooth wear.
When brushing your teeth make sure that you are brushing both the gum and if using a manual toothbrush, brush your teeth in a circular motion at a 45 degree angle. If you have an electric toothbrush you can just hold the brush and it will do the circular movements for you. For more information on manual toothbrushes vs Electric toothbrushes click here. Each tooth must be brushed on each side.
Flossing is also an integral part of your oral hygiene. Your floss can reach areas the areas in between your teeth that your brush cannot. Our dentists recommend floss over other types of interproximal plaque removal methods, such as Dental Water Jets, as floss can manually scrape away the plaque and is more effectively. You can find out more information about flossing here.
Remember, while visiting your dentist for your routine check-up and clean is integral to a healthy mouth, maintaining a complete oral hygiene routine is just as important.
If you have any questions about your oral hygiene routine, do not hesitate to ask our dentists at your next check-up.
Give us a call at 9181 2226 or email us at drummoynedentalpractice@gmail.com to book your next check-up now.