Plaque is the filmy substance that coats the teeth releasing acids that gradually erodes the tooth enamel and causes decay. It is important to remove plaque as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage to the teeth, which will then need to receive dental treatment.
The most effective way to remove plaque, before it has the opportunity to cause any damage, is by brushing. Wirral dentists recommend brushing your teeth for three minutes twice a day, at least. Ideally it would be after every meal but this isn’t always practical. You should brush your teeth with a brush that has soft bristles for maximum plaque removal. This also has the advantage of not causing any unnecessary gum erosion, which can happen with harder bristles. Dentists also recommend using a brush with a small head so that it can reach more parts of the teeth.
You should hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums so that they are gently cleaned at the same time as the teeth. It can also make a difference what toothpaste you use. For some patients it is beneficial to use a toothpaste with a high fluoride content but it is always a good idea to check with your dentist first.
As well as brushing, it is also necessary to use dental floss at least once a day. This removes plaque from the smaller areas of the teeth and gums that it is difficult to reach with a regular toothbrush. Both brushing and flossing not only keep your teeth free from plaque but they also help to prevent bad breath, 90% of cases of which are caused by insufficient oral hygiene. Ask your dentist for more advice on effective tooth brushing and which brush and paste would be most suitable for your teeth.
Anyone who has experienced any kind of tooth pain can attest to exactly how unpleasant it can be. From the smallest toothache to the largest infection, dental pain has to be one of the worst kinds of pain. Part of the reason it is so bad is because, firstly, you can do nothing to make it stop or even to alleviate it for a few moments and secondly, because so much of what we do involves the mouth. There is simply no getting away from it.
Dental care is quite straight forward if you follow a few simple rules given to you by your Toxteth dentist. Although each patient is different and our teeth do differ, there are certain bits of advice that are almost universal.
Many people refer to dental hygienists as the ‘unsung heroes of dental care’. The role of the hygienist has grown more important over the last ten years to the point that now you would be hard pressed to find a dentist that doesn’t have one in their surgery.
Diabetes affects thousands of people in the UK each year and if you are one of them you may know that diabetes can affect your nerves, kidneys and heart but you may not have been told how it can affect your teeth. Diabetes can have very negative effects on your oral health because it lowers your resistance to infection and also slows recovery time.