During these uncertain times where we are all spending more time at home, you might not be prioritising your teeth and oral health. Especially if you are self-isolating, it could be some time before your next dental appointment. The staff at Sarum Dental Practice want to help you make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your teeth and gums healthy at home – after all, your oral hygiene has a great influence on your overall health!
Getting into the habit
Sometimes the hardest part of forming a good habit is sticking to the routine! By making sure to brush and floss your teeth twice daily, you’ll not only be preventing the development of gum disease, but you’ll be setting yourself up with a good dental hygiene habit that will maintain your oral health between dentist appointments.
It’s reported that 64% of parents say it’s a real challenge to get their children into the habit of brushing their teeth twice a day so why not get the whole family involved in your dental routine? Now is a good a time as ever to start your own Big Family Brush Up Challenge!
Using the best dental tools for your smile
Minimising the risk of plaque build-up and gum disease is key to a healthy smile and a good way to achieve this is by using the right tools for the job.
Our Sarum Dentists recommend using a fluoride-containing toothpaste to slow the breakdown of the tooth’s enamel and support the remineralisation process. Toothpastes containing fluoride will help to prevent cavities from forming and are safe for both adults and children. However, do remember that children under the age of 6 will only require a ‘pea-sized’ amount of toothpaste on their brush.
Are Salisbury dental patients often ask whether they should use an electric or manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes, though admittedly more expensive, do have the added advantage of vibrating and oscillating micro-movements that are highly effective at removing plaque from the teeth. However, whilst manual toothbrushes might not come with all the bells and whistles found in their electric counterpart, they are still very efficient at maintaining gum health when used properly.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to floss!
Did you know that when you forget to floss, you actually miss cleaning 35% of the tooth’s surface? This could be detrimental to your dental health as hidden plaque and tartar will prevent your fluoride toothpaste from reaching the surfaces between your teeth and gums. Whether you use interdental brushes, dental floss, or water flossers, we don’t mind – as long as you remember to do it daily before you brush your teeth!