Protect Your Oral Health with Preventative Dentistry at Mount Waverley and Surrounding Areas
Brushing Technique
Proper brushing takes at least two minutes. Try using a stopwatch or counting for five seconds as you brush each tooth to get a feel for how long it should take. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to the gum line, hard-to-reach back teeth and areas around fillings, crowns, or other restorations.
We recommend that you always start at one spot – the back top tooth and work all the way around and then back around on the inside of the teeth, brushing each tooth for five seconds. Then repeat on the lower teeth – this should take approximately two minutes.
Flossing
Everyday flossing is recommended for good oral hygiene and to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing removes plaque that forms between the teeth that the toothbrush cannot reach. This is also the most common place where cavities form, as plaque is often left to sit in these tight spaces.
It is essential to floss once a day. The best time to do this is before bed and using the proper technique to avoid damaging the gums.
How to Floss:
- Take about 50cm of floss and wind the ends around the middle or index fingers
- Grip the floss firmly with the index finger and thumb, and gently slide the floss up and down between your teeth
- Gently curve the floss around the base of each tooth, making sure you go beneath the gum line. Never snap or force the floss, as this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue
- Use clean sections of floss as you move from tooth to tooth
Mouthguards
When Should I Wear a Mouthguard?
Mouthguards should be worn whilst playing and training for any sport, especially sports where contact to the face is possible. These sports include football, soccer, hockey, netball, basketball, baseball, and even skateboarding or skiing. Just like having the correct shoes and sporting equipment, everyone must wear a custom-made mouthguard.
Accidents and Injuries
Sporting accidents are one of the most common causes of dental injuries. Damaged or knocked-out teeth, broken jaws and cut lips can be sustained when playing sports. Wearing a protective custom-fitted mouthguard can avoid or minimise these dental injuries. Mouthguards help absorb and spread the impact of a blow to your face, which otherwise may injure your mouth or jaw.
These dental injuries may result in time off school or work to recover. It can be painful and disfiguring and may require lengthy and complex dental treatment. The cost of an injury to your teeth or jaw far exceeds that of a custom-made mouthguard.
Why Custom Mouthguards Are Best
Custom-fitted mouthguards provide a far better fit than ‘over-the-counter’ mouthguards. ‘Over the counter’ mouthguards are far less effective. They can be bulky and uncomfortable as they don’t fit as well. Custom-made mouthguards are made individually for your mouth. A custom-fitted mouthguard is comfortable, well fitted, allows you to speak clearly, will not shift or fall out and will not restrict your breathing.
Having your mouthguard assessed by your dentist at regular dental check-ups is essential. Ensure your mouthguard is still fitting correctly for maximum protection of your mouth. You may need a replacement if your mouthguard has been damaged. If your child has a mouthguard, it must be replaced when all the adult teeth have come through.
How to Care for Your Mouthguard
- Rinse in cold water after use (do not clean in hot water)
- Store in a hard/rigid plastic container
- Keep out of direct sunlight – mouthguards will change shape and distort in high temperatures
- Clean your mouthguard weekly (when been used regularly) with a soft toothbrush and soapy cold water
- Have your mouthguard assessed by your dentist at your regular dental check-ups
- Replace mouthguard if it gets damaged
Let us help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come with our preventative dentistry services.