Dental Care Tips
Below is the list of dental care tips that can help to keep your teeth healthy.
1. See your dentist for a check-up every 6 – 12 months
Probably you have heard that one before but it is a really valuable dental care tip. Having regular dental check-ups significantly reduces the chances of developing any infections or decay that may lead to teeth loss in the future. It is simply because the dentist will recommend a treatment if he / she discovers any negative changes in your mouth. Some practises offer free dental check-ups.
2. Rinse your mouth with water after meals
Ideally, teeth should be brushed after each meal. It is hardly ever possible and therefore dentists’ advice is to try and rinse your mouth after each meal. Water will help to clean any food leftovers and will also help to neutralise the PH levels in your mouth
3. Seek another dentist’s opinion if the extraction has been recommended
When a patient has been advised to have a tooth / teeth removed because of the damage or decay, it is always worth obtaining another dentist’s opinion. There are a few reasons why it should be done. Firstly, range of materials and level of expertise differs between dental surgeries and some dentists might be better equipped to treat certain problems (i.e. teeth infections, abscess etc.) and provide better dental care. Secondly, in the long run it works out cheaper to save a natural tooth rather than extracting it and diastema applying a permanent solution such as dental implants or bridges.
4. Opt in for permanent reconstructions rather than dentures
Dentures are commonly used replacements for missing teeth. They are widely available and cheap when compared with other permanent dental solutions. However, patients need to be aware that dentures provide only about 20% of the biting force compared with natural teeth. Patients also need to be aware that partial dentures (supported on natural teeth) apply additional pressure on the existing teeth and may contribute to the damage of these teeth in the long term. Although permanent missing teeth restorations such as dental implants or multiple bridges are more expensive, it is advisable that patients with missing teeth problems opt for such reconstructions. Not only the appearance, comfort and durability will be greater, but most importantly, permanent solutions such as dental implants will take off the pressure from the healthy teeth saving them from the potential damage.
5. Avoid staining drinks and foods after teeth whitening
Shiny smile after teeth whitening can last up to few years although it hugely depends on the lifestyle habits and some anatomical conditions. Fizzy drinks as well as other colouring foods and drinks such us coffee or tea should be avoided in order to extend the life of your “bright smile”.
6. See a throat specialist in case of bad breath
Bad breath is often caused by the food particles that get trapped in the mouth or between teeth allowing bacteria to grow on them. In some cases however, the bad breath might be caused by the infection that happens in the sinus area. If your dentist’s efforts do not help you might ask your GP to schedule you an appointment with a specialist.
7. Get a panoramic X-ray when teeth are overcrowded
Teeth overcrowding is a problem that leads to crooked and badly looking teeth. Sometimes the overcrowding is caused by wisdom teeth that have grown and taken the space in your jaw. It is worth getting a panoramic X-ray to assess the state of your wisdom teeth. In some cases extractions can release the pressure on the neighbouring teeth.
8. Eat carrots for healthy gums
Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which enhances saliva production. Saliva has anti-bacterial qualities which help to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
9. Drink milk & eat oily fish and spinach
Milk and spinach are rich in calcium, one of the key ingredients of your teeth. In order for the calcium to be absorbed properly vitamin D is needed. Oily fish is rich in vitamin D and is therefore recommended by dentists to keep your teeth healthy.
10. Avoid sudden changes of temperatures
Exposing your teeth to sudden changes in temperature may cause sensitivity problems and, in extreme cases, the enamel damage. Avoid mixing hot and cold foods or drinks to extend the life of your pearly whites.
11. When brushing your teeth, clean your tongue too
Many teeth brushing techniques have been published over the years. One useful tip is to clean your tongue with a toothbrush after cleaning your teeth as various types of bacteria tend to reside there.
12. Shop around for the best deal on your dental work
Private dental care tends to be expensive in the UK although charges differ between practises. The location and reputation of the clinic / dentist are the biggest cost influencers. It is worth shopping around to find a best deal on your dental work. Once you’ve found the dentist that provides the services you’re interested in at a reasonable price, it is essential to check their credentials. Patients could ask for the examples of the previous work done in their practise whereas the qualifications can be verified with the help of the British Dental Association. Some patients, particularly those in the need of a serious dental work, go abroad to countries such as Poland as dentistry overseas is much cheaper.
13. Replace amalgam fillings with composite ones
Although amalgam fillings are often harder and more durable then composite ones, they may potentially be toxic as amalgam contains mercury. Many dentists believe, that as a precaution, amalgam fillings should be replaced for more aesthetically looking and healthier composite fillings.
14. Use anti bacterial mouth wash
It is a known fact that anti-bacterial mouth wash helps to keep your mouth healthy. Some dentists suggest that you should not use it all the time as the bacteria might get used to mouth wash anti-bacterial qualities and become resistant to it.
15. If possible, use veneers over crowns in cosmetic dentistry restorations
Dentists often use either veneers or crowns for cosmetic smile makeovers. The end result is similar for both teeth restoration methods but there are other factors that patients should take into account. To place a veneer on your tooth, a dentist needs to trim away only a small portion of the tooth. With a crown, more of the tooth surface is taken away and although crowns are stronger and longer lasting solutions, it is generally recommended that veneers are used for cosmetic restorations (when possible). You should ask your dentist to explain the difference between veneers and crowns.
16. Use dental floss
Dental floss, when used properly, can become an important tool in fighting teeth decay and other infections. Dental floss cleans the areas between your teeth, which are mostly prone to infections due to food being trapped there. When flossing, you need to make sure that you do not irritate the gums. If you bleed during the process you should contact your dentist for an advice.
17. Quit smoking
Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you. It is also bad for your teeth. Smoke tends to discolour teeth surface and can lead to weakening of the teeth structure and gum problems. Additionally, other health problems caused by smoking can negatively impact your dental health.
18. Don't fear the dentist – private dentists use anaesthetics so treatments can be painless
There is no need to fear dentists anymore! The advances in the medicine and anaesthetics mean that dental treatments are painless. Almost all private dentists in the UK and abroad offer local anaesthesia and some surgeries even provide full sedation sessions for complex treatments.
19. Don’t leave it until too late
Leaving an infected or damaged tooth untreated is a common mistake made by patients. Untreated teeth usually deteriorate further and can lead to more serious problems later. It is often much cheaper and quicker to rectify a dental problem at an early stage. So get in touch with your local dentist if you suspect that there is something wrong with your teeth.
20. Be sensible about teeth whitening and whitening kits
Contrary to the popular belief teeth whitening only lightens the natural shade of your teeth and doesn’t paint them white (as some might think). It is advisable not to have the whitening treatments too often as it can have negative effects on the gums and the enamel of your teeth. Using home whitening kits should be consulted with your dentist first (to determine if a given kit is right for you).
The information contained on this website is for guidance only. For most accurate information please seek professional medical advice.
Interesting dental websites:
Health check - Professional health screenings for adults
Dentists abroad - low cost dental treatments in Krakow, Poland
Dentyści Kraków oraz dentysta w warszawie - information on dentists in Poland
