Tips for Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene does not begin and end with brushing and flossing. The food and drink that we put in our mouth throughout the day can affect our teeth and gums in a number of different ways - and some of them are detrimental. Food like Chocolates Why? Well firstly, the adhesiveness of chocolate means that its particles will cling to your teeth, making them difficult to remove. Over time, these particles form into plaque, and in that plaque are legions of bacteria just waiting to react with the sugar in chocolate. The bacteria produce acid, which work away at the tooth's enamel, creating dreaded cavities. Potato chips / crisps When potato chips are chewed, their starchy particles stick to the teeth. These particles always seem to manage to find their way into nooks and crannies that other foods don't, which can be difficult to reach during brushing and flossing. Just as with chocolate, the neglected remains of potato chips can turn into plaque and eventually can lead to cavities. - Soft drinks Soft drinks are bursting with sugar – and some are highly acidic before they've even entered the mouth. This means that soft drinks start eating away at the tooth enamel as soon as you take a swig, softening it. The softened enamel means your teeth are more porous which means they are more susceptible to the sugar and acid in soft drinks, resulting again in cavities. How often should you visit your dentist? It is recommended by Australian dentists that you and your family head to your dentist once every six months, so that they can quickly and efficiently spot any problems as soon as possible. What's more, any pre-existing conditions will be examined, and your teeth will undergo a professional clean - so you can keep smiling.

Drouin Dental Clinic, 103 Princes Way, Drouin, phone 5625 1718.