subject: A Time Poor Generation [print this page] With time constraints from work, family, social and other commitments increasing for more and more of us, we may start letting our oral health take a back seat. The lure of fast food, fad diets, breakfast on the run, and a fast fix can be hard to resist. To maintain optimal oral health you should clean your teeth after every meal or drink by brushing and using dental floss or interdental spiral brushes to clean in between the teeth (interdental cleaning).
Finding the time to look after your teeth
Gum disease and tooth decay are caused by bacteria which form a fine film over your teeth called plaque. Plaque can be easily removed with tooth brushing and interdental cleaning. As the bacteria in your saliva feed off any food left on and around your teeth and form plaque within minutes, it's important to clean your teeth as soon as possible after having eaten. This isn't always possible so you should at least brush and floss (or use interdental brushes) twice a day.
Use a standard toothbrush with soft bristles or an electric toothbrush with a combination rotation / oscillation motion. Your toothbrush should be inspected regularly to ensure that its bristles are still straight and able to do their job without damaging the gums.
Here are some tips to help you find the time to look after your teeth:
make brushing and flossing / interdental cleaning part of your routine so it becomes a habit, such as just after a meal, or just after a shower
focus on the benefits of clean healthy teeth, not the time it takes you to clean them
if you have children let them see you brushing and flossing your teeth and set an example.
Tips to help you maintain your teeth for life
Build and maintain strong and healthy teeth and gums by:using a fluoride-based toothpastevisiting your dentist, who will individually assess your mouth and advise you how often you should attend for a check up and cleaneating a well-balanced diet and avoiding sticky or sugary foodsIn some cases you may require special instructions that are tailored to your needs, for example if you have crowns and bridges, are having orthodontic treatment or have dental implants. Follow those instructions carefully. Your dentist and the other members of the dental team are there to help you and advise you. If you are unsure of what's best for you, call us for an appointment on 134 246. With time constraints from work, family, social and other commitments increasing for more and more of us, we may start letting our oral health take a back seat. The lure of fast food, fad diets, breakfast on the run, and a fast fix can be hard to resist. To maintain optimal oral health you should clean your teeth after every meal or drink by brushing and using dental floss or interdental spiral brushes to clean in between the teeth (interdental cleaning).Finding the time to look after your teethGum disease and tooth decay are caused by bacteria which form a fine film over your teeth called plaque. Plaque can be easily removed with tooth brushing and interdental cleaning. As the bacteria in your saliva feed off any food left on and around your teeth and form plaque within minutes, it's important to clean your teeth as soon as possible after having eaten. This isn't always possible so you should at least brush and floss (or use interdental brushes) twice a day.Use a standard toothbrush with soft bristles or an electric toothbrush with a combination rotation / oscillation motion. Your toothbrush should be inspected regularly to ensure that its bristles are still straight and able to do their job without damaging the gums. Here are some tips to help you find the time to look after your teeth:make brushing and flossing / interdental cleaning part of your routine so it becomes a habit, such as just after a meal, or just after a showerfocus on the benefits of clean healthy teeth, not the time it takes you to clean themif you have children let them see you brushing and flossing your teeth and set an example.Tips to help you maintain your teeth for lifeBuild and maintain strong and healthy teeth and gums by:using a fluoride-based toothpastevisiting your dentist, who will individually assess your mouth and advise you how often you should attend for a check up and cleaneating a well-balanced diet and avoiding sticky or sugary foodsIn some cases you may require special instructions that are tailored to your needs, for example if you have crowns and bridges, are having orthodontic treatment or have dental implants. Follow those instructions carefully. Your dentist and the other members of the dental team are there to help you and advise you. If you are unsure of what's best for you, call us for an appointment on 134 246. A Time Poor GenerationBy: Andrew Cate
