After the indulgences of the festive period, now is the ideal time to make a resolution to take good care of your teeth and gums in 2016. Good oral hygiene will stand you in good stead to keep dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease at bay in the months ahead.

Perfecting your oral hygiene routine

Oral hygiene is all about keeping your mouth clean to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria causing decay and gum disease. We recommend adopting and sticking to a thorough daily oral hygiene regime at home. This should include:

• brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time – if you’re not sure if you’re brushing for long enough, set a timer or use a brush with an in-built timer
• use fluoride toothpaste
• brush every surface of every tooth and angle the head of the brush to cover the gum line
• floss daily – flossing helps to remove food debris and bacteria from the cracks and gaps between the teeth, which reduces the chances of plaque formation
• swap your toothbrush (or change the head if you have an electric brush) every 3-4 months
• wait at least 45-60 minutes after eating to brush your teeth – this reduces risk of enamel wear

Good oral hygiene is important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing and flossing reduces the risk of plaque formation and subsequently lowers your chances of developing cavities or gum disease. Plaque is a sticky, colourless substance that forms when bacteria and bits of food debris combine with saliva. Good oral hygiene can also help to keep your teeth looking shiny and white.

In addition to good oral hygiene, it’s also important to see your dentist for regular check-ups and keep an eye on your sugar intake. We also highly recommend seeing our amazing dental hygienists once a year. If you have any questions about oral hygiene or you’d like some expert tips, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.