Dental Care
"Looking after your teeth is team work"
Use a small amount of toothpaste, preferably with fluoride, when you brush your teeth. Do your best to brush at least twice a day and use a small headed toothbrush made from synthetic (Nylon) fibres. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste dramatically reduces tooth decay. It is particularly important to brush the area where the gum meets the tooth, using a gentle scrubbing action, not forgetting the biting service and the area between the teeth. Fluoride mouthwashes are also a useful aid to strengthen the teeth.
Young children, up-to 7, should be supervised when brushing their teeth. Demonstrate toothbrushing and allow your children to imitate your actions. Please check your children's ability to remove dental plaque. The best method is to stand behind the child whilst brushing, and then ensure that children do not swallow the toothpaste. Do not to rinse out after brushing, but spit out and perhaps use a wet toothbrush afterwards.
Your dentist will advise you on how many sessions are required with the
dental hygienist. Initially you may require a number of visits to get your
oral hygiene to a good standard. For some patients it may mean one or two
appointments, for others four to six may be required. Please attend recall appointments, usually every six
months, to allow the Dentist to spot any changes to your teeth. Depending on your oral hygiene
and gum condition, you may require visits more frequently.
The most important aspect of toothcare is oral hygiene, both at home and in the surgery with the dental hygienist. Most teeth are lost through gum disease and this can be prevented with a good home care routine, and regular visits to the hygienist. Research has shown that patients who have regular hygiene treatment need much less dental treatment in the long term.
The dental hygienist will carry out a professional scale and polish which includes the removal of plaque, stains and tartar deposits ensuring healthy teeth and gums. He/She will also advise you on how best to look after your teeth at home with instructions on brushing, flossing and dietary advice.
The majority of the adult population can suffer from gum disease at any stage in their lives. The only reliable method of controlling gum disease is the regular removal of plaque. You can remove plaque deposits yourself using an efficient brushing method and daily flossing routine. However, if you have tartar (or calculus) and staining of the teeth, this cannot be removed with normal brushing and needs to be professionally removed by a dental hygienist.
Flossing is an essential daily routine, and some people will also need special aids such as interdental or interspacial toothbrushes. Your dentist or dental hygienist should show you how to floss or use special aids.
Everyone knows that sugar causes dental decay. Generally people do not
realise that it is not the amount of sugar eaten in a day, but the frequency
of sugar consumption that is important. For example if a packet of mints is
eaten in ten minutes, it will have little effect on the teeth. If the same
packet is eaten slowly throughout the day, then the teeth will be bathed in
sugar for a long time, and he decay process will start to take place. It is
best therefore, to eat sweets at mealtimes, and after meals chew sugar free
gum or eat nuts, cheese or other non-sugar foods. Of course toothbrushing
after meals would be ideal, but it is not always appropriate, the next best
thing is to use sugar free chewing gum.
Another important aspect of diet is acid drinks such as cola or fruit juice. In recent times the consumption of cola type/acid drinks has increased dramatically and 30% of 13 year olds suffer from acid damage to the teeth. It is preferable to drink sugar free cordials, water or milk.
