Oral Hygiene

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene and Healthy Smiles

Oral Hygiene Melbourne CBD

Does your everyday routine include caring for your mouth?

Good oral hygiene is important for your overall health. It consists of a routine of cleaning your teeth and gums.

Proper oral care leads to healthy teeth and gums and fresh breath.

Learn how to start your day with a good oral hygiene routine with these tips.

Common Problems Related to Poor Oral Hygiene

Different problems are associated with poor oral hygiene, depending on which area of the mouth is affected. Here are some:

Tooth Decay

When holes form in the tooth enamel, it is known as dental caries. A main cause of caries is plaque build-up.

The bacteria in plaque react with carbohydrates from food and form acids. The acids retain next to the teeth by plaque and dissolve the tooth enamel.

Once a hole forms in the tooth enamel, the decay process can cause cavities. If you have tooth decay, you may need dental fillings, crowns or inlays.

Dental Erosion

Dental erosion is the gradual erosion of tooth enamel by the action of acid on the teeth. This is different to damage resulting in tooth decay and caries.

Dental erosion affects the entire surface of the tooth. In time, dental erosion can cause thinned enamel and can expose the softer dentine underneath the enamel.

The dentine is sensitive, so erosion can lead to your teeth being more sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods and drink.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is the infection/inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth.

Plaque contains several different types of bacteria, and bacteria build-up is associated with developing gum disease.

Gum disease is divided into two types – gingivitis and periodontitis:

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. There are different types. However, most cases of gingivitis are caused by plaque.
Periodontitis takes place if gingivitis worsens and progresses to involve the tissue that connects the teeth to the gums.

Keeping Up Your Oral Health

Oral hygiene is important for the teeth and gums, and poor oral health can affect your overall health and is a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes, etc.

Below are some oral hygiene instructions from your Melbourne CBD dentist:

Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day for two minutes each time

Clean the areas between your teeth every day using floss, interdental brushes, floss picks, or water flossers. Make sure that you don’t skip any teeth.

Use fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash

Go to your Melbourne CBD dentist for preventive care twice a year

Follow your dentist’s treatment plan and oral hygiene recommendations

Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day for two minutes each time

Clean the areas between your teeth every day using floss, interdental brushes, floss picks, or water flossers. Make sure that you don’t skip any teeth.

Use fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthwash

Go to your Melbourne CBD dentist for preventive care twice a year

Follow your dentist’s treatment plan and oral hygiene recommendations

Healthy teeth and gums make you look and feel better, help you eat and talk well, and can save you money later in time.

Oral Hygiene in Melbourne CBD

If you notice your gums are bleeding, painful, or tender and swollen, contact your dentist at Art De Dente.

Your Melbourne CBD dentist can make recommendations about home care, including demonstrating proper toothbrushing and flossing techniques, oral hygiene products, and treatment options.

Request an appointment with your Melbourne CBD dentist today!

Call us on 03 9125 6201 or request an appointment online.

We are located at Level 17, 190 Queen Street in Melbourne CBD.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria on teeth and feeds on the sugars and starches in our diet. The bacteria produce acid that wears away at the teeth enamel. If left untreated, it can cause pain, infection and even tooth loss.

What are the most common oral health problems?

Cavities and gum diseases are the most common problems. Both can be prevented with regular toothbrushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for dental check-ups.

Is brushing enough?

While brushing is imperative for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, sometimes your toothbrush can leave behind food particles and bacteria. Flossing removes the food debris stuck between teeth to prevent plaque build-up along the gum line. This step is important for avoiding gum disease. Excessive plaque build-up along the gumline can create a gingival infection which causes gum inflammation and creates sensitivity.

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