Having healthy teeth and gums requires more than just brushing and flossing regularly. At Burnaby, our team of dentists and hygienists will guide you through all the necessary steps to maintain good oral hygiene and keep your mouth clean.
Regular Professional Cleanings & Check-ups
Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is important, but even with good care, plaque can still build up and harden over time.
Visiting the dentist every six months can help you stay on top of your oral health. The dentist has special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup safely and can also spot and treat oral health issues early before they become serious.
Regular checkups can help you avoid more invasive dental treatments in the future and keep your mouth healthy in the long run.
Brushing
Brushing your teeth is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene. It's recommended to brush your teeth at least two times a day, for two minutes each time - once in the morning and once before bed. If possible, it's beneficial also to brush your teeth after lunch. To make sure that all your teeth get the necessary attention, divide your mouth into four sections and spend 30 seconds brushing each section. Remember to brush all surfaces of each tooth - front, back, and chewing surfaces.
Flossing
Flossing your teeth is important for keeping them healthy and preventing problems like tooth decay and gum disease. It's recommended that you floss at least once a day, especially before bedtime.
Flossing removes food particles that your toothbrush can't reach, so it's important to take your time and do it carefully. To floss properly, insert the floss between two teeth and slide it up and down each side, making a 'c' shape around each tooth.
Work your way along both the top and bottom jaws, making sure to floss between every tooth.
Diet
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that includes calcium-rich foods is crucial for maintaining good oral health. This helps to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy from the inside out.
To achieve this, limit your intake of sugary and starchy foods and ensure that you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Hydration
Drinking enough water is important for keeping a healthy amount of saliva in your mouth. Saliva helps to get rid of food particles and debris from your teeth, which can otherwise cause bacteria to grow and lead to cavities and gum disease. So, staying hydrated by drinking enough fluids can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Supplementary Hygiene
If you are already brushing and flossing regularly, but want to give your routine a boost, you can try adding some supplementary hygiene aids.
Hygiene aids include things like mouthwash, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators, and tongue cleaners, to name a few.
While these tools cannot replace a thorough brushing and flossing routine, they do make a good addition to it, to help keep your breath fresh and minimize plaque buildup.