Oral Hygiene Education

Good oral hygiene is often overlooked and should be considered a priority for your overall health. From infancy to later stages of life, good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to protect your teeth and gums from health issues such as infection, gum disease, tooth decay and more.

One of the main causes of oral conditions is the build-up of plaque. Plaque is a mixture of food and saliva that gets caught between the teeth, and is thriving with bacteria. Over time, the plaque will harden and cement itself to the tooth’s enamel. If left untreated, plaque will turn from white, to a yellow-ish brown colour, which are signs that it could lead to tooth decay or periodontal disease. Brushing your teeth properly and flossing regularly in order to reduce build-up is the best form of defence against plaque.

• Brush twice daily, especially in the morning after breakfast and before bedtime.
• Floss your teeth every evening to remove food stuck between the teeth.
• Eating fewer sugary treats or drinking sugary beverages.
• Having regular check-ups at the clinic for your teeth to be examined and a proper cleaning at least twice a year.

It is also important to understand that brushing your teeth properly should generally take at least two minutes. Brushing your teeth should not be rushed, and should be done with a soft-bristled toothbrush which are less likely to irritate the gums around the teeth and cause them to bleed.

If you regularly experience bleeding gums when brushing your teeth, it is recommended to book in for a check-up where our oral hygienists can ensure that your gums are healthy, and advise on proper oral care.

Infants and children are particularly susceptible to early childhood dental cavities, especially if they tend to drink a lot of sugary beverages. That is why it is important to help infants and children in looking after their teeth.

The teething process begins from 3 to 9 months of age, and can make your child feel restless, irritable or even cause a loss of appetite. Baby bottle tooth decay can also arise from the frequent exposure to sugary formulas. This condition can be extremely detrimental to a baby’s teeth and overall health.

Getting into the habit of cleaning your baby’s gums by gently rubbing a clean finger or a clean and damp cloth along the baby’s upper and lower gums can help soothe teething pains. Once the teeth have erupted, brushing regularly throughout the day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and water is recommended until the baby is old enough to use toothpaste. When using toothpaste, always supervise and make sure your baby does not attempt to swallow the froth while brushing.

Teenagers will have to face a whole new set of challenges when it comes to oral hygiene and dental health. Some teenagers may require dental braces to correct their teeth’s alignment, which can leave their jaw feeling sore and painful as their teeth readjust their positioning. Nearing adulthood, the third molars (commonly known as wisdom teeth) will also begin to break through the gum line and should be examined by a dentist regularly to monitor for any concerns.

Once their permanent adult teeth have grown out, preventing staining or tooth decay will prevent dental conditions from occurring in adulthood and the later stages of life.

Encouraging your teenager to take good care of their teeth will help instill a good sense of oral hygiene. Having a readily available supply of oral healthcare products, such as soft-bristled toothbrushes, floss, mouthwashes and even tongue scrapers, will make it easier for your teen to get into positive oral hygiene habits. Finally, by limiting the availability of junk foods and soft drinks around the home while teaching them about the importance of dental and oral healthcare, you will set your child up for a life with clean, strong, and beautiful teeth.

If your teen has dental braces, it is advised to brush after every meal to get rid of any food that could get stuck in wires. Skipping sticky and chewy foods like lollies, popcorn and chocolate can also help to make their braces easier to clean.

Adults should also follow similar practices of good oral hygiene. Be sure to regularly use fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day and to use a tongue scraper to fight halitosis.

Visit our clinic every 6 months to have your teeth professionally cleaned and polished. Clearing away any build-up of plaque before it turns into tartar is essential to avoid gum disease.