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Not only does maintaining good oral hygiene help you get the best out of your teeth whitening treatment, but is important for your health in general. Maintaining clean and healthy teeth and gums can help prevent tooth decay, bad breath, gum disease and minimise staining and discolouration that prompts whitening treatments in the first place. As a minimum, the guidelines recommend the following best practices for a fresh and healthy mouth.
Medical professionals and health legislation recommends brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes, twice daily. One of these occasions should be before going to bed, to remove plaque and bacteria. Brushing removes plaque and bacteria that can lead to decay and disease if left unaddressed. Both manual and electric toothbrushes are efficient, though many prefer the latter for ease and convenience. You should use a toothpaste with the right amount of fluoride, with a minimum of 1350ppm (check the packaging). Brushing all surfaces of the tooth is crucial and don’t neglect your gums!
A fluoride-containing mouthwash can help maintain mouth health in between brushing but is not recommended immediately after brushing. Rinsing your mouth straight after brushing your teeth can remove the fluoride and undermine the benefits. Instead, perhaps save mouthwashes for after meals.
Flossing in between teeth removes build-up and plaque that brushing cannot reach. It can play an important part in reducing bad breath and gum disease. Flossing is best performed before brushing. Take a 30-40cm length of floss and grasp a 3-4cm section, pulling it taut. Slide it between the teeth and floss up and down 8-10 times to remove plaque and trapped food etc. Interdental brushes can also be used and are more efficient if you have larger gaps between the teeth.
Finally, be sure to attend your dentist and hygienist appointments to stay in the know about your oral health. Your practitioner can provide advice and treatment for problems and spot the tell-tale signs of developing concerns. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and catching it early can help reduce the risks. If you have bleeding or inflamed gums seek medical attention. Most dentists will ask to see their patience every 6 or 12 months depending on teeth condition.
Call today to order teeth whitening products or book your treatment.
164 Vicarage Gardens, Plymouth, PL5 1LJ