The information and recommendations provided herein are general in nature. All decisions regarding an individual's healthcare are the sole responsibility of the patient and the patient's healthcare provider.

Maintaining a complete oral care hygiene routine is essential to protect your teeth and gums, keeping them strong and healthy for life.

Like most people, you know that having a clean mouth is important. It makes you feel good about yourself. It gives you fresh breath and a nicer-looking smile. Since childhood, you've probably heard that brushing and flossing your teeth daily are necessary for good dental health. But like many people, you may not be sure why.
Brushing and flossing remove a thin sticky film of bacteria that grows on your teeth. This sticky film, called plaque, is the main cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
The Australian Dental Association recommends the following daily oral hygiene routine to most effectively control plaque.

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (toothwide) strokes.
• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

With all of the wonders of modern man available to you there is no better way to clean the sides of your teeth than dental floss. Inexpensive, readily available and easy to use. A modern wonder, maybe not. But it is an excellent tool in the fight against dental decay and periodontal disease. There are many types of dental floss available from your local chemist or pharmacy.

Flossing Facts

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers.
• Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.
• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
• When the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
• Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Don't forget the back side of your last tooth.

People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind of interdental cleaner. These aids include special brushes, picks or sticks. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist about how to use them properly, to avoid injuring your gums.

The Plaque Problem
Many of the foods you eat cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids. Sugared foods, such as candy and cookies, are not the only culprits. Starches, such as bread, crackers, and cereal, also cause acids to form. If you snack often, you could be having acid attacks all day long. After many acid attacks, your teeth may decay.

Plaque also produces substances that irritate the gums, making them red, tender or bleed easily. After a while, gums may pull away from the teeth. Pockets form and fill with more bacteria and pus. These can be the symptoms of gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. If the gums are not treated, gum disease could result and it could lead to the bone around the teeth to being destroyed. The teeth may become loose or have to be removed. Gum disease is a main cause of tooth loss in adults.

One way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease in addition to a good oral hygiene routine is by eating a balanced diet and limiting the number of between-meal snacks. If you need a snack, choose nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese or a piece of fruit.