Beat the dentist's drill with a good oral hygiene regime

For many people, a trip to the dentist is an experience that commands fear, or even dread. From a very early age we are reminded by parents, teachers and medical professionals of the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene and avoiding sugary drinks and snacks. Those who give in to temptation soon find themselves on the receiving of the dentist's drill, as the dentist works hard to save their teeth from the perils of plaque and decay.



In reality, of course, a trip to the dentist is a much more mundane experience and less painful, but the myth of the drill still holds sway over many people. Thankfully for those who have developed a fear of the dental profession and its practitioners, you can help to avoid the need for major dental work by maintaining a good regime of oral hygiene and by going for regular routine check-ups and dental examinations.



The first step to good oral hygiene is making sure that you are brushing your teeth often enough and doing so correctly. It's important to make sure that you use the right toothbrush, as many of those available from pharmaceutical and cosmetics retailers aren't ideal for maintaining optimal dental hygiene. Choose a brush with a small head and a mixture of long and short round bristles to allow the filaments to clean in between and behind your teeth properly. Soft of medium bristles are recommended for most people; overly stiff or hard ones can damage gums and cause bleeding.

With so many different brands and varieties of toothpaste on offer, and new adverts touting the benefits of the latest scientifically-approved formulations constantly airing on our television screen, picking the right kind can be tricky. The most important thing to consider is the fluoride content of the toothpaste - adults should brush with one that contains at least 1;450 parts per million fluoride. Many toothpastes claim to provide other benefits from tartar control to whitening but the effects can vary significantly. If in doubt of which toothpaste to use, ask your dentist's advice.



You should brush your teeth at least twice a day; when getting up in the morning and before going to bed at night. Brushing after meals can be beneficial but it is best to wait an hour after you have finished eating because acid from fruit, fizzy drinks or wine can corrode teeth when brushed in. Regular flossing to remove bits of food from between teeth can also help look after teeth and using mouthwash can also be beneficial, although those with sensitive teeth may find that it increases sensitivity in an uncomfortable way and may wish to avoid it.



A good oral hygiene regime is complemented by regular check-ups and examinations from your dentist. These and other routine dental services tend to be quick and painless and you may be able to offset costs involved if you have a suitable dental plan or health insurance.



The author of this article is a part of a digital blogging team who work with brands like Bupa Insurance. The content contained in this article is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.