Our oral health is something we are all guilty of neglecting from time to time, whether you can’t be bothered making the uncomfortable trip to the bathroom from your warm bed every night, you have never purchased floss in your life, or you’re simply using the wrong toothpaste – consulting your dentist is always the best bet to improve your dental hygiene, and your smile. It’s been found that over 80% of Irish people have some form of gum disease, and with only 58% admitting they only consider visiting the dentist in an emergency situation, we can guess why. Our dentists in Galway have compiled the top 10 tips to help you better look after your teeth, one change in your habits may drastically improve your oral health.
- Regular checkups –
If you’re going years without seeing your dentist and still wonder why you’re smile isn’t up to scratch then your first step should be organising regular checkups with your dentist. Every 6 months is the recommended amount you should be seeing your dentist, this will guarantee any pre-existing problems don’t spread, as well as preventing any developing issues before they cause real damage.
- Floss –
Something your dentist always recommends, and for good reason. Floss once a day before you brush to clean hard to reach places and prevent gum disease. 84% of people in Ireland don’t floss between meals, adopting this habit improves your dental hygiene and ensures your gums stay healthy with age.
- Brush properly –
Ensuring you brush twice a day for the recommended two minutes – every day – will maintain good oral hygiene. This may not give you the perfect Hollywood smile; however, brushing your teeth will keep your mouth and gums healthy; stopping any serious health issues arising. You should also be aware of the risks of DIY whitening kits as they can cause damage to teeth and gums; we offer safe teeth whitening in Galway that you can trust.
- Compromise sugar habits –
Having a healthy diet and choosing your beverages wisely can have a huge improvement on tooth decay. Avoid sugary juices, cordials, coffee and fizzy drinks. Drink more water and milk to strengthen your teeth. 25% of Irish people said they regularly eat between brushing their teeth and going to bed, this reduces the effects of brushing your teeth and causes plaque to build over night – avoid doing this to improve oral hygiene.
- Quit smoking –
A staggering 90% of people with cancer of the throat, mouth, tongue or lips smoke or have smoked. Tobacco has aggressive effects on both your teeth and gums – smoking causes a lack of oxygen in your bloodstream which prevents gums from healing; this means that gum disease progresses faster than in non-smokers which is the most common cause of tooth loss in UK adults. If you need help and advice on the effect that smoking has on your oral health please contact one of our Galway Dentists.
- Invest in a good toothbrush –
Rinse your toothbrush well before and after brushing and replace every three to four months. Our Galway Dentists advises you use soft bristle on sensitive teeth, for recommendations on which toothbrush is appropriate for you, ask one of our professional dentists in Galway.
- Talk to your dentist –
If you feel you need a new start then cosmetic dentistry may be of help to you; one of our cosmetic dentists can recommend a path for you, whether you simply require teeth whitening in Galway or veneers, our dentists in Galway can help you feel confident in your smile.
- Brush your tongue –
If you’re suffering from bad breath or halitosis then adding brushing your tongue to your dental hygiene routine can help. Our dentist in Galway can give you professional advice on solutions that will permanently solve halitosis.
- Fluoride toothpaste –
This is usually associated with children’s toothpaste, however, this natural mineral is proven to harden tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Speak to your dentist in Galway for recommendations on the best toothpaste for you. You can also naturally introduce Fluoride into your diet with foods and drinks such as prawns, black tea, strawberries and eggs – these strengthen your teeth; preventing cavities and oral diseases.
- Use mouthwash –
Studies find that 63% of people in Ireland don’t use mouthwash daily; however, it is essential in preventing plaque build-up, fighting gingivitis and also strengthens teeth with added fluoride – making it a vital part of your dental routine.
It’s always best to get a professional opinion on any problems that you see reoccurring, if you’re in discomfort then visit our Galway Dentists. We offer a range of general and cosmetic dentist services including wisdom tooth removal and emergency dentist Galway.
If you require any more information on our general or cosmetic dentistry please don’t hesitate to call us on 019158 22 22, or browse our treatments online. Alternatively, you can contact us online or by email at [email protected] for a prompt response from one of our dentists in Galway.