Dublin18 Dental Care, South Dublin is here to support patients in taking care of their teeth and gums, but the hard work of preventing oral health problems has to be done at home too. Of course regular check-ups and appointments with our dental hygienist are a vital part of your oral healthcare routine, but it is no good taking care of your teeth and gums in the week leading up to an appointment at the clinic if you neglect your mouth for the rest of the year.

There are three important steps to ensure that your teeth and gums are as clean – and therefore as healthy – as possible; brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. Everyone was probably taught how to brush their teeth as children, and when it comes to your own kids it is never too early to start. You should even start with a damp cloth on your baby’s gums if their teeth are not yet emerged.

Toothbrushes should be changed every two or three months, or when the bristles are starting to go flat. People with sensitive gums should make sure they select a brush with soft bristles to avoid bleeding. There are lots of expensive toothbrush brands with fancy attachments and angled heads; while they do make it easier to reach awkward spots at the back of the mouth, you can still give your teeth and gums a good clean with a basic but effective model.

Flossing is an essential part of an oral healthcare regime as it gets to the places that toothbrushes can’t; the tiny gaps between your teeth and even below the gum line. Dental floss can remove any trapped pieces of food or layers of plaque that have escaped the brush; and if you find flossing with string awkward, there are disposable plastic floss sticks which are much easier to use.

Finish your routine every morning, night and after each meal with mouthwash. Not only will this kill off the bacteria that cause bad breath, but it gives your teeth and gums one last clean to catch any food or plaque that both the brush and the floss have left behind.