Celebrating 40 Years as the Friendly and Reliable Dentist in Birkdale You Can Trust

Enhancing your dental care routine at home involves adding advanced techniques and tools to improve oral health beyond the basics. These methods include:

• Using an electric toothbrush:
  Electric toothbrushes provide consistent pressure and motion, improving plaque control compared to manual brushing. Opt for a soft-bristle head and brush for two minutes, focusing on each quadrant of your mouth.
• Incorporating interdental brushes:
  Interdental brushes clean areas that floss might miss, especially in larger spaces between teeth or around dental work like braces. Use these brushes gently to avoid damaging gums and reach areas that are harder to clean.
• Adding a tongue scraper:
  A tongue scraper helps clean bacteria and debris that accumulate on the tongue, therefore reducing bad breath and improving oral hygiene. Use the scraper gently from the back of the tongue to the front after brushing your teeth.
• Using a water flosser:
  A water flosser delivers a targeted stream of water to clean between teeth and along the gumline, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This tool is particularly helpful for people with braces, implants, or other dental work.
• Switching to a fluoride mouthwash:
  Fluoride mouthwash adds an extra layer of protection by strengthening enamel and reducing cavities. Use it after brushing and flossing, avoiding eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterwards.
• Avoid acidic foods before bedtime:
  Acidic foods and drinks weaken enamel, especially before sleep, when saliva production decreases. Rinse with water if you consume these foods, and brush at least 30 minutes later.
• Chewing sugar-free gum:
  Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralise acids and clean the mouth between meals. Choose gum with xylitol to further combat bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Small improvements in your dental routine can help you achieve healthier teeth and gums over time. Exploring these techniques adds value to your care routine and reduces the likelihood of developing oral health problems.