There are a number of different ways in which adults can maintain oral health.  Here are our recommendations on how to maintain good oral health:

What you’ll need:

• A good quality toothbrush - medium sized with medium bristles.
• A good quality toothpaste (specific to your individual needs).
• Dental floss or tape (or inter-dental brushes if recommended by your dental care professionals).
• Mouthwash.

View your oral hygiene as a 3-step routine:

1. Brushing
2. Flossing
3. Mouthwash

Brushing

• Brush twice a day - first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
• The reason for brushing is to remove the soft layer of plaque that builds up on your teeth.
• Split your mouth into four quadrants and spend a minimum of 30 seconds on each.  (Take slightly longer for crowns and bridges).
• Use gentle and short strokes moving back and forth the teeth and the gum edge.
• After brushing the teeth, run the toothbrush over the top surface of the tongue to aid with fresh breath.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 months or if the bristles are splayed. 

Flossing

• Floss once a day - before brushing at night.
• Flossing is one of the essentials of maintaining good oral hygiene alongside brushing.  
• Measure approx 50cm of floss and wrap it around a finger on each hand and pull taut.
• Place between the teeth and curve up and down the tooth in a C-shape, getting between all the teeth in your mouth using a fresh part of the floss for each gap.

Mouthwash

• Although using mouthwash is not essential, it will enhance a good oral hygiene regime (but will not replace good quality brushing and flossing).

You can visit our website for more advice, information and tips.  Or just speak to us next time you visit so we can advise on the best method for you!