The dentist’s recommendations for healthy teeth

We already know that our general health is influenced by the health of our teeth. That is why it is important to take a responsible approach when it comes to our smile and proper dental care.

And it all starts with prevention.

Billions of bacteria live in the mouth, most of which are good bacteria that protect our oral health. However, there are also bacteria that accumulate in the form of dental plaque and convert food left in the mouth into acids, which, over time, can cause tooth erosion. The bacteria responsible for this tend to multiply at night, when a higher amount of saliva is secreted and our activity is on standby.

Therefore, in the absence of a proper daily dental care routine, if left unchecked, the bacteria in the oral cavity can contribute to the development of tooth decay and gum disease (gingivitis – inflammation and bleeding of the gums when brushing).  

Maintain good daily oral hygiene – tips for looking after your teeth

For a healthy smile, it is essential to practise good oral hygiene every day by brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, using dental floss, mouthwash and a water flosser. This not only ensures your teeth are clean, but also protects your gums and keeps your breath fresh.

The dentists at DENT ESTET recommend following the steps below for correct and effective daily brushing and proper dental care:

• Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums;
• Start brushing from one side of the arch and finish on the opposite side;
• It is advisable to start with the upper arch and then move on to the lower arch;
• Use gentle up-and-down movements (from the gum line towards the outside of the tooth) to remove food debris from the teeth and avoid pushing it towards the gums;
• Brush all surfaces of the tooth: the outer, inner and chewing surfaces;
• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inner surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle top-to-bottom technique on each tooth individually;
• Brush each tooth individually for a few seconds;
• Use vertical movements, or at most circular movements, to clean the tooth surfaces and gums.

Keep the tools used for daily hygiene clean

Ensure that after use, the toothbrush is thoroughly rinsed with water to remove any remaining toothpaste, and that dental floss and mouthwash are properly sealed and stored in suitable places until next use.   

Also, don’t forget to change your toothbrush every 3 months or even more frequently, depending on how worn the bristles are. And if you’ve had a cold, specialists recommend changing your toothbrush as soon as the cold has passed.

Keep cavities and other dental problems at bay

... with a regular check-up every 6 months at the dentist, during which the dentist clinically examines your mouth and, using digital dental X-rays, provides you with an up-to-date assessment of your dental health and a suitable treatment plan.

Whatever the situation, pay attention to the signs and signals your smile is sending you and book an appointment with your dentist if you notice:

• Bleeding gums;
• Swollen or red gums;
• Gum recession;
• Tooth mobility (teeth starting to move) without any traumatic cause;
• Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold;
• Persistent bad breath;
• Pain or discomfort when chewing.

Book a regular preventive check-up twice a year

Even if you follow your daily oral hygiene routine correctly, complete cleaning cannot be achieved and a bacterial film adheres to the teeth which cannot be removed by daily brushing alone, but which can be removed at the dentist’s surgery during a preventive care session (scaling, professional cleaning and air-flow).

Control the amount of sugars and acidic foods consumed daily

We know this can be difficult, but reducing your intake of sweet and highly acidic foods not only ensures a healthy smile but also has a positive impact on your whole body. As for your smile, a balanced diet protects you from tooth decay and bad breath, and saves you from long and costly visits to the dentist!

We recommend the following additional measures:

• Use a straw when drinking sweet drinks;
• Avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks, and especially alternating between them;
• Drink plenty of still water;
• Brush your teeth, if possible, after consuming a large amount of sugary foods.

Other recommendations from dentists:

• Avoid using wooden toothpicks to remove food debris stuck between your teeth. These can damage your gums or help spread bacteria in your mouth;
• Give up bad habits such as smoking, which affect not only your dental health but your general health as well.

Be an informed patient and take care of your smile! The dentists at DENT ESTET look forward to seeing you for your regular check-up at the dental practice.