Here at Wickham Dental, we work with our patients to help them achieve good oral health, offering advice and a range of treatments when needed. As the dentist in Wickham, we are often asked about the best ways to ensure that the teeth and gums can be kept in good condition. This guide details the habits of people who have sound oral health throughout their lives.

Brushing and flossing

Many people do not brush their teeth every day, or only do it once. Brushing twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste is vital to keep the mouth clean and remove any bits of food which have become trapped. A few seconds is not going to do the job, two minutes of brushing is needed to get the teeth properly clean.

Many electric toothbrushes have a sensor that beeps after 30 seconds, and this can be used to time the brushing session and ensure that all parts of the mouth are cleaned. If using a manual toothbrush, then setting a timer for two minutes on a mobile phone can be an effective way to ensure that the job is done to completion.

Flossing is also important and should be done once per day. Any patient who is unsure how best to do this should consult with the dentist in Wickham to get guidance on flossing techniques or on how to use interdental brushes.

Visiting the dentist

Many people make the mistake of only consulting with the dentist when they encounter a problem with their teeth. However, getting regular check-ups can minimise the risk of any issues from occurring in the first place. We can identify any issues before the patient is aware of them, which means that any treatment required will usually be minimal. This means that the patient spends less time and money at the dentist than if they had allowed any problems to escalate.

Regular appointments with the hygienist

The dentist in Wickham can provide a professional clean, which is important for maintaining oral health. Although brushing at home is vital and effective, our hygienist can remove plaque and tartar that brushing has missed. This allows the patient to keep their breath smelling fresh, helps to prevent gum disease and can be very effective in removing stains.

Regular water drinking

The people who have the healthiest teeth and gums drink water as their main beverage for hydration. Tap water contains fluoride which protects the teeth enamel, and this helps them to retain their strength and health. Fizzy drinks and juices as well as many alcoholic drinks can be very acidic. When these are consumed throughout the day, the patient has much less saliva coating their teeth. This makes them much more vulnerable to deterioration and damage.

Non-smoker

People who smoke are at high risk of receding gums, gum disease and tooth loss. The best thing any smoker can do for their oral health is to quit the habit. There is lots of help available such as nicotine replacement therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Here at Wickham Dental, we are focused on ensuring that all our patients enjoy good oral health as well as offering treatments that can help with any issues. As the dentist in Wickham, we often get asked about how best parents can help their children to have healthy teeth and gums.

Children who enjoy good oral health are much more likely to become adults who take care of their teeth, and this can have a positive impact on the general health too. Here, we explain what parents can do to help achieve this.

Start brushing early

Brushing should start as early as when a baby develops their first tooth. Parents should use a super soft brush and a toothpaste that is designed to cater for infants. If in any doubt about what brush or paste to use, talk to the dentist in Wickham to get advice and guidance.

This early brushing has two main benefits. Firstly, it means that the teeth are being protected as soon as they arrive, and this can reduce the likelihood of deterioration later in childhood. Secondly, it helps to establish a routine of regular brushing so that it does not become difficult or problematic as the child gets older.

Brush after milk

Many children continue to have milk before bed into toddlerhood and beyond. It is a comforting routine and helps to settle them for sleep. However, it is important to brush their teeth after they have had their milk. If they go to sleep with milk on their teeth, then this can cause cavities to develop and general deterioration of the health of the teeth and gums.

Other drinks

Aside from milk, the main drink that should be consumed by children is water. Tap water has fluoride in it, which helps to protect the enamel of the teeth and is important for preventing cavities. It is also sugar free, which is beneficial.

Fizzy drinks should be reserved for special occasions only, as these can erode the teeth and compromise their strength. If offering juice, it is best to do this with a meal and only as a treat. Children who drink juice throughout the day have a much greater risk of needing treatment such as fillings from the dentist in Wickham.

Diet

Most parents are mindful of the fact that treats like sweets, chocolate and cakes should be kept to a minimum if they want their child to have healthy teeth and gums. However, there can be a lot of hidden sugar in foods that are not thought of as sweet. For example, many pre-prepared and ready meals feature a high sugar content. The ideal is to make home cooked meals from scratch. However, if this is not always possible, then parents should check the labelling on any pre-prepared foods they are buying.

Set an example

Parents can encourage their children to take care of their teeth and gums by setting them a good example. Brushing together is a great way of modelling how it is done. It is also a good idea for children to see their parents drinking mostly water as their main drink and only having sweet things as an occasional treat. They will then grow up to see this behaviour as normal and something to be copied.

Here at Wickham Dental, we advise all our patients on how best to care for their teeth and offer treatments that help to resolve any issues. Many people ask the dentist in Wickham about how they can safeguard their oral health during pregnancy. Having a baby is an exciting time in which the mother’s general health must be greatly protected. Taking good care of the teeth and gums is an important part of that. Here, we explain what our pregnant patients can do to ensure that their oral health remains intact.

Trying for a baby

When trying for a baby, it is a good idea to do as much as possible to ensure good general health. This includes eating well, enjoying lots of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain carbohydrates as well as lean sources of protein. Regular exercise and taking folic acid and vitamin D supplements are also important ways to prepare for the demands of pregnancy and childbirth.

Regarding the teeth and gums, the dentist in Wickham recommends that they are cleaned twice a day every day. Doing this and flossing once per day helps to keep the mouth in tip top condition and can prevent conditions like gum disease which can impact the health of both mother and baby.

If any treatments are required from the dentist in Whickham it is a good idea to schedule these before pregnancy. Depending on the treatment, it may not be safe to have it done during the pregnancy itself. In addition, even if it is appropriate for the mother to have a procedure, she may be feeling ill and tired and may not want to go ahead.

Seeing the dentist while pregnant

Pregnant women should see their dentist for at least one check-up during the nine months. This helps to protect their own health as well as that of the baby. It is important to tell us if you are expecting a baby, as we will then be able to take the necessary precautions when it comes to recommending any treatments and prescribing any medicines needed.

Brushing during pregnancy

Brushing twice a day can be difficult for some expectant mums as it can sometimes cause them to gag. If this is an issue, a child’s toothbrush could be used to help minimise the risk of gagging. Alternatively, the teeth can be cleaned without anything on the brush before rubbing the fluoride toothpaste on afterwards and leaving it to sit on the teeth.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is very common. Many pregnant women are sick throughout the day as well as in the morning, especially in the early stages. Although the urge is to brush the teeth immediately after vomiting, this is not a good idea as it can cause damage. This is because vomiting creates an acidic environment within the mouth. The acid removes much of the saliva that is usually present, and saliva is important for helping to protect and maintain the enamel of the teeth.

It is best to wait at least half an hour after being sick to brush the teeth in order to prevent the deterioration of tooth enamel.