Lockdown and your oral hygiene
Top tips for looking after your oral health
In this period of lockdown, it is important that you look after your teeth and gums. There are three points which need to be followed to ensure healthy gums and teeth:
- Effective tooth brushing;
- Flossing and interdental cleaning;
- Use of mouth washes
Effective tooth brushing.
Always use a fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure the brush is cleaning all the tooth surfaces. The bristles should be held at 45 degrees from the gum line to the tooth. Do not forget to clean your tongue. The recommendation is to brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least and do not rinse after brushing. You can use either a manual of electric toothbrush.
Flossing.
It is important to floss in between your teeth to remove any plaque build up and to prevent cavities. Dental floss: break off a good length of floss so that you can wind some around one finger on each hand. Holding about an inch between thumb and forefinger, guide the floss gently between your teeth. When you reach the gum line, curve it around one tooth, like a C shape. Holding the floss against the tooth, gently move up and down the tooth, taking the floss slightly under the gum line. Repeat this on the other tooth and continue to move around the mouth between each tooth. Floss around crowns, bridges and implants. Special floss with a hard end to thread under bridges is available, and is called Super floss. Th same technique should be used with Floss picks.
Interdental cleaning can be performed with interdental brushes which come in various sizes. The brushes should be loaded with toothpaste and pass between the teeth and gum level with a little resistance but not to the extent that the brush bends, as this shows it is too big for the space. Do not try and place in between at the top of the teeth as you would floss as they will get stuck.
Your gums may feel sore and possibly bleed when you first clean interedentally. This should stop once your gums are healthy and the plaque has been broken up and removed by your cleaning.
Interdental cleaning can be performed with interdental brushes which come in various sizes.
The brushes should be loaded with toothpaste and pass between the teeth and gum level with a little resistance but not to the extent that the brush bends, as this shows it is too big for the space.
Do not try and place in between at the top of the teeth as you would floss as they will get stuck.
Your gums may feel sore and possibly bleed when you first clean interedentally. This should stop once your gums are healthy and the plaque has been broken up and removed by your cleaning.
MouthWashes.
Mouth washes must not be used as an alternative to brushing. It is the movement of the brush and any interdental aids that removes plaque and food debris. If you are cleaning effectively, then there is no need to use a mouth wash unless prescribed by your dentist.
I hope this information helps you maintain your oral hygiene and healthy gums. Most importantly take care of yourselves. Looking forward to seeing you all again very soon, have a catch up and of course give your teeth a lovely spruce up.