Oral hygiene is vital for good oral health and will help keep your teeth and gums free from infection and disease. Each day, a layer of sticky plaque builds up on the teeth and gums, and this contains disease-causing bacteria. It is important to remove this layer of plaque before it can damage your teeth and gums, and the most effective way to do this is through regular brushing and flossing.
How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?
You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably first thing in the morning to remove bacteria that have built up overnight and last thing at night to ensure you go to bed with a clean mouth. This is important as we produce less saliva during the night so the mouth is drier, enabling bacteria to thrive more easily. When brushing, hold your toothbrush at a forty five degree angle so the bristles can reach right down to and just below the gum line, removing the maximum amount of plaque. Concentrate on brushing your teeth methodically so all tooth surfaces are cleaned.
Is Flossing Really Necessary?
When you brush your teeth you will clean approximately two thirds of your tooth surfaces. The contact areas in between your teeth account for the remaining third and cannot be reached by a toothbrush. This is why it is so important to floss once-a-day. We know many people find it difficult to floss but it is much easier when using the proper technique and tools. Our friendly dental team can demonstrate the correct way to floss and can show you other tools that may be better to use, particularly for anyone with limited dexterity.
If you are unsure of how to brush and floss then please don’t hesitate to ask us for help.
Our Knox practice is located at 3 Rezes St, Wantirna South VIC 3152. You can call us on (03) 9887 4539.
Our Glen Waverley practice is located at 228 Springvale Rd, Glen Waverley VIC 3150. You can call us on (03) 9886 7551.
Our Narre Warren practice is located at 5/2-8 Victor Cres, Narre Warren VIC 3805. You can call us on (03) 8794 9777.
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