 | First off the mark is good oral hygiene and home care. If you don't already use an electric toothbrush, now is the time to invest in one. They are as cheap as chips when compared to having a few teeth restored, and can be up to twice as effective as manual brushing. If you do use an electric brush, but somehow feel you are not getting the best use from it, or are not sure you are using it correctly, why not bring it along with you to your next hygiene appointment, and let our hygienist show you how to use your electric brush to the best of it's abilities. Flossing is vitally important as this will remove and disturb the plaque at the contact points between teeth where decay can easily start. Flossing twice a day is the recommendation, but failing that, flossing at least once a day, at a time when you are not rushed or disturbed would be best. Few people have time in the morning, so setting aside some time at night would be more suitable. You need to floss between the contacts points of your teeth - that is where you feel the floss click through between your teeth. If you find the floss is getting stuck or shredded at certain points, you need to get these areas checked as you may have a restoration with a sharp edge or catch, that will prevent you from caring for that area. Below the contact point is the larger space at gum level. Floss can be a bit small to clean this entire area and it may be worth finding out about inter-dental brushes like Piksters, that can be used to clean these areas quickly and more efficiently. |
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