Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one’s mouth free from oral diseases and other issues by brushing the teeth and cleaning between them regularly.

It is important that oral hygiene is practised regularly to prevent dental disease, gum problems, and bad breath.

The most common types of dental diseases are tooth decay and gum diseases, particularly gingivitis and periodontitis.

Oral Hygiene Tips from your Preston dentist

General guidelines suggest brushing two times a day: after breakfast and before going to bed, but ideally, the mouth should be cleaned 30 minutes after every meal.

Getting the food particles out from between the teeth is as important as brushing your teeth.

A toothbrush cannot reach the areas between the teeth and only removes about 50% of plaque from the surface of your teeth.

The tools needed to clean between the teeth include floss, flossettes, and interdental brushes.

Below are some easy oral hygiene tips that will help keep your pearly whites in top condition:

Brushing

Brushing helps remove food debris left after eating. Brush your teeth at least two times a day – after breakfast and before sleeping. Spend at least 2 minutes brushing.

Make sure all areas are cleaned. Position the toothbrush bristles directly at the gum line, as this is where plaque starts to form.

Move the toothbrush gently in a circular motion, which will clean away as much plaque from the gums as possible.

  • Tilt your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums
  • Gently move your toothbrush back and forth in short strokes
  • Clean the insides of the front teeth, using the tip of the brush
  • Thoroughly brush your tongue to remove bacteria and to freshen your breath

Flossing

Just like brushing, flossing helps keep your teeth free from food particles, cleaning the areas your brush can’t reach.

  • Use 18 inches of dental floss and leave at least one or two inches to work with
  • Gently run the floss up and down between the teeth
  • Glide the floss beneath the gum line but avoid snapping the floss on the gums
  • Use a new strand of floss for every tooth to avoid returning the debris or plaque to your teeth

Mouthwash

Rinsing your mouth using a fluoride mouthwash is also important in removing bacterial plaque. It cleans your gums and keeps your breath fresh for a long time.

Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

A proper oral hygiene routine is ineffective if you have an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

Decrease the intake of sweet and acidic foods which contribute to the development of tooth decay.

Instead, eat foods rich in calcium and fibre like milk, cheese, fruits, and vegetables.

Oral Hygiene at Supreme Dental Preston

Prevention is indeed better than cure. We, at Supreme Dental Preston, want to help you avoid dental issues by giving you tips on proper oral hygiene techniques.

Preston dentist also serves local communities in Coburg, Northcote, Thornbury, Bundoora, and Reservoir.

For more information about oral hygiene practices, call us on (03) 9478 7708 or visit us at 455 High St, Preston VIC 3072.

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All insurances are accepted with HICAPS. As a preferred provider for NIB, HCF, CBHS,HIF

We are located on High Street, Preston – steps away from Preston Market

Easily accessible via public transportation (bus stop within walking distance)

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