Maintaining Healthy Teeth – Prevention is better then cure!!

Diet:

• Avoid or minimize your intake of sugary and starchy food like biscuits, chocolate and candy as they promote the acid formation which causes tooth decay.
• Rinse your mouth out with water after eating anything sugary or starchy to help reduce acid formation.
• Try to drink water rather then soft drinks, cordial, sports drinks, juices and alcoholic beverages throughout the day.

Brushing:

• The purpose of brushing is to remove soft plaque - the majority of this is located on your gumline.
• Brush your teeth for between two and three minutes to get the best results but to avoid over-brushing.
• Always use a soft brush with a small head as this will allow you to clean hard-to-reach areas more effectively.
• If you have sensitive teeth or tend to brush quite hard use an extra soft brush.

Flossing and special brushes:

• Flossing is as important as brushing.
• Flossing allows you to remove plaque where a brush cannot reach and it helps minimise the possibility of decay and gum disease.
• When flossing you should pull the floss against each tooth making sure that the floss goes all the way down to the gumline.
• If you are unable to do this with the floss or your gums bleeds call our surgery for a check-up and clean with the dentist as you may be showing signs of gum disease.
• Floss once a day before bed.
• Interdental brushes can be useful for those with periodontal (gum) disease or individuals that have experienced some form of bone loss as food is more likely to be trapped in the gaps, particularly in the back teeth. Ask your dentist if interdental brushes can help you.

Gum Disease:

• Loss of teeth due to gum disease or periodontitis is quiet common in adults
• If plaque is not brushed off, your gums can become infected (gingivitis) which can lead to inflammation; tenderness; bleeding during flossing and brushing and tooth decay. If left untreated the hardened plaque, also known as calculus or tartar can lead to bone loss or periodontal disease.
• Regular check-ups every 6 to 12 months can help maintain healthy gums and general oral health through early detection and treatment as well as thorough cleaning.

Mouth guards:

• Mouth guards are very important particularly for those who play sports.
• Having a custom-fitted mouth guard will minimise potential impact and protect the teeth.

Fissure Sealants

• Fissure Sealants are a preventative treatment where a thin coat of filling is placed over pits and grooves of the teeth to protect it from decay. Although this is more commonly done on children’s teeth as soon as their molars erupt, it is also recommended for adults.

Decay

• Regular 6 – 12 monthly check-ups and x-rays once every 3-5years improve the chance of early detection and treatment of decay.
• Early detection of decay will not only mean less chair time, it also means less expensive treatment.
• If detected early some decay can be reversed by improving oral hygiene habits and diet.

Teeth whitening

• If you are interested in improving the appearance of your teeth make an appointment with us to find out more.

Your dental visits at Sherwood Forest Dental:

• Regular check-ups every 6 to 12 months are essential to maintain healthy gums and teeth.
• If you have any concerns regarding your teeth or oral hygiene, please contact Sherwood Forest Dental and we are only too happy to assist.
• Sherwood Forest Dental Surgery is available for emergency treatments.