Oral Hygiene Habits

by | May 22, 2024 | Oral Hygiene

oral hygiene habits

Home is the perfect place to learn the basics of oral hygiene.

Parents who teach their children the importance of brushing and flossing help them avoid many oral health issues.

Practising good dental care at home doesn’t need much money to learn the dos and don’ts.

There are relatively simple steps in caring for oral health, requiring minimal but well-disciplined practice.

Why Oral Hygiene Matters

Good oral hygiene is more than having a bright smile and fresh breath. It significantly prevents dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Moreover, poor oral health can contribute to more severe health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even complications during pregnancy.

You’re prioritising your mouth and overall well-being by prioritising oral hygiene.

Simple Steps You Can Perform for Optimal Oral Hygiene

Use dental floss daily.

When it comes to gum disease prevention, flossing is one of the best ways to prevent this potentially life-threatening dental disease.

Around 50 per cent of adults are estimated to be highly susceptible to gum disease. Flossing at least three minutes daily helps improve your gums’ strength and health.

Brush teeth for 3 minutes.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a rule of thumb. However, you should be aware of how long you brush your teeth.

It’s recommended to brush your teeth for three minutes, thoroughly but gently.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash can help reduce plaque, fight gum disease, and freshen your breath. However, brushing and flossing should be sufficient.

  • Choose the Right Mouthwash: Look for an antiseptic mouthwash that contains fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth and fight bacteria.
  • How to Use: After filling a cup with the prescribed quantity of mouthwash, swish it about your mouth for thirty to sixty seconds and then spit it out. For thirty minutes afterwards, please refrain from eating or drinking anything to enable the active components to do their job.

Change your toothbrush regularly.

Toothbrushes are not safe from bacteria. Thus, it is essential to change them at least every 3 to 4 months.

Using an electric toothbrush, you can change its head portion before the bristles become worn and splayed.

Old, worn toothbrushes are ineffective in cleaning teeth and may cause gum disease due to harmful bacteria.

Have regular check-ups

Though dental check-ups are not part of home care, visiting your Thornton, Maitland NSW dentist at least twice a year is crucial to your oral health care and prevention program.

Your dentist will examine your oral hygiene, check for signs of gingivitis and cavities, among other teeth-related problems, and give you tips on maintaining your teeth’s cleanliness.

Professional cleanings remove tartar (hardened plaque) that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone.

#1. Early Detection and Treatment

Routine dental exams allow for early detection and treatment of oral health issues. Early intervention can prevent minor problems from worsening and necessitate more involved and costly therapies.

#2. Personalised Advice:

Your dentist can offer customised suggestions based on your unique oral health requirements. This may include recommendations for particular products, brushing and flossing techniques, and dietary choices.

The Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Good oral hygiene habits save your smile and protect your pocket from expensive dental procedures.

Strong teeth and healthy gums also contribute to the well-being of your body.

Having a healthy mouth reduces your risk of:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Endocarditis
  • Stroke

The goal of oral hygiene is not complicated at all—to get rid of plaque and bacteria as frequently as possible.

Plaque contains millions of harmful oral bacteria that produce toxins. These detrimental toxins can damage and erode tooth enamel, which then causes cavities.

The toxins can also infect your gums and the tissues that support your teeth, resulting in tooth loosening.

Professional Guidance on Oral Hygiene in Thornton

Your dental team at Thornton Dental is your trusted partner in the wellness of your teeth, gums, and mouth.

In addition to these protections, we provide basic and comprehensive information on establishing your oral hygiene routine. To get the most out of this, visit your Thornton Dental dentist today!

Check-up and Clean Offers

  • NO GAP Check-up and clean for patients with Available Health Fund Limits
  • No insurance? Only $145 for Check-up, Clean & Fluoride ($95 for kids)

Call us on (02) 4966 2996 or book your appointment online today!

Visit us at Thornton Shopping Centre, Shop 30/1 Taylor Ave in Thornton.