If you are like most people on the Central Coast, you’re probably keeping track of a big, long list of things you need to or should be doing. Cars needing to be serviced, doctors’ appointments, kids’ activities, homework help, the list goes on!
But what about your teeth? How is your oral health tracking?
That’s the question being asked this Dental Health Week (5-11 August | dentalhealthweek.com.au), an annual event run by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) which aims to make everyone aware of the key things they need to do to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
You might think it doesn’t really matter if you miss a bit of flossing here or there, skimp on the thoroughness of your brushing, or tell your dentist “thanks but no thanks, I’ll see you in 2022”. But of course, like anything that’s necessary and good for you, it does matter and it’s definitely worth adding to your list of daily “To Do’s”.
Before you groan inwardly and think to yourself that there’s no way you can cram anything else onto your list that is looking more like a thesis, it’s actually pretty easy and straightforward to make good dental hygiene a key part of your daily routine.
Brushing
Did you know only 50% of Australians brush twice a day? The team at Warnervale Dental recommend that you brush for at least two minutes twice a day, taking care to use a soft-bristled toothbrush (they’re less damaging to your teeth and gums than their harder counterparts) to clean your teeth systematically along all surfaces, always brushing in small, circular motions.
Flossing
Flossing (or using an interdental brush) once a day is important because it removes plaque from between your teeth which goes a long way in helping to prevent gum disease, tooth decay and halitosis (“bad breath”). It’s not something that should be rushed either. Take your time, using a gentle side-to-side motion with about 45cm wound around your middle fingers and thumb. If you’re not sure about the right technique, have a chat to your dentist who can show you all the right flossing moves.
Say “Hello!” To your dentist
If you have a regular dentist, and it is a good idea to have one since it means your teeth will get the consistent care they need, you should be seeing them more often than you probably are, with one survey revealing that 65% of Australians have not seen a dentist in the last two years. You should really be seeing your dentist every 6 to 12 months or as needed to keep on top of your dental health.
Don’t have a regular dentist? We can help with that! The team at Warnervale Dental warmly welcomes new patients and we make it our priority to personally get to know you and your smile so that we can take good care of it for the long term.
Eat and drink well
Your oral health is significantly impacted by what you eat and drink. Limit your sugar intake (watch out for hidden sugars in drinks and foods) and concentrate on the good stuff like vegetables and dairy products. Also try to minimise snacking between meals as this results in increased acidity levels leading to tooth decay.
So, put the health of your smile at the top of your “to do” list this Dental Health Week!
Book an appointment today, call the friendly team at Warnervale Dental on (02) 4392 0990
Open 6 days, the dental practice warmly welcomes new patients and loves taking care of the smiles of the local community.
Warnervale Medical Complex, Level 1, 3 Mary MacKillop Drive, Woongarrah NSW 2259
(02) 4392 0990
More information:
https://www.warnervaledental.com.au/
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