The connection between good hygiene and good health is a strong one. By keeping the body clean, you equip it to avoid and resist illness.
Have you ever noticed how good you feel when you get all cleaned up and put on fresh, clean clothes? There is a reason for that good feeling. The body performs better when it is clean and healthy. Good personal hygiene for you and your family should include clean skin and care of the mouth, teeth, hair, ears, hands, feet and nails.
Save That Smile! The Do’s and Don’ts of Good Dental Hygiene
DO:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride tooth paste
- Be sure to find the right sized brush for the little ones to brush all surfaces of the teeth, even the hard-to-reach spots
- Floss your teeth every day
- Flossing removes food particles that brushing can miss
- It also helps prevent gum disease and reduces plaque build up
- Make sure your diet is mouth ‘friendly’
- Go for crunchy fruits and vegetables as snacks, instead of sweets
- Dairy, chicken, meat and nuts provide calcium for strong teeth
- Be thorough in your at-home dental care
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue(s) to remove bacteria that causes bad breath
- Visit your dentist every 6 months
- You’ll get a thorough cleaning for an extra fresh feeling
- It’s essential for detecting decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues
DON’T:
- Forget to replace your toothbrushes
- A toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months or after you have recovered from a cold
- Otherwise bristles become dull and may host harmful bacteria
- Brush too soon after eating
- Brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods (including fruit juice) can damage the tooth enamel
- Rinse with water after you eat and wait 30 minutes before brushing
- Ignore pain or abnormalities
- Toothaches can be a sign of a more serious dental issue
- See your dentist as soon as you can if you notice changes in your dental health
- Consume lots of soft drinks and sugary foods
- Soft drinks are highly acidic, which wears away at your enamel
- Frequent consumption of sugary substances causes plaque to build up really fast which leads to decay and gum disease
Dental hygiene for families, Sunshine Coast
All of these tips are helpful in keeping your family clean and feeling and looking their best! However, it is also important that you do not skip your six-monthly appointment with your dentist! If you are searching for a family dentist on the Sunshine Coast, look no further than the team at Lake View Dental. Dr Ian is passionate about providing quality dental care to his patients, both big and small! If you have any further questions on how you can better care for your family’s oral health, give our friendly team a call today.
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