Thornton Dental is proud to partner with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) to support Dental Health Week (6 to 12, August). Dental Health Week is the ADA’s annual, week-long oral health event.
It’s designed to remind Australians of the importance of maintaining good oral health, and this year it has four primary messages:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean in-between teeth
- Eat a healthy balanced diet and limit sugar intake
- Visit your Thornton Dental dentist on a regular schedule
Why is it important to emphasise these activities? Because many Australians are not doing all they can to maximise their dental health:
- About half of Australians only brush once-a-day
- Nearly 40% never floss or clean-in-between their teeth
- 65% of Australians haven’t seen a dentist in the last two years
- Nearly three-quarters of young people (14-18 years) consume too much sugar
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
The ADA suggestions are the same as you might have heard at Thornton Dental:
- Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day.
- Soft-bristled toothbrushes with a small head and a flexible neck are most effective in removing plaque and debris from your teeth, without damaging your teeth and gums.
- Clean your teeth systematically, holding the toothbrush at the gumline at a 45-degree angle.
- Don’t apply to much pressure as it can damage gums and tooth enamel.
- As strange as it sounds, brush your tongue. It reduces the bacteria in your mouth and helps your breath stay fresh.
- When you have finished brushing, try to spit out the toothpaste but don’t rinse with water. Leaving some toothpaste on your teeth gives your teeth some extra ongoing protection.
- Choose a toothpaste containing fluoride and replace your toothbrush every three months, or if the bristles appear worn.
If you find brushing difficult, an electric toothbrush may be a better option since it does most of the work for you, and is easier for people with mobility or coordination issues.
Clean in-between teeth once a day
Flossing is a critical component of good dental habits, so:
- Floss daily, at least once
- Ask your dentist to demonstrate the correct flossing technique
- Ask your dentist if interdental aids will complement your flossing
- Your children should floss as soon as they have two teeth that touch
Just as in the case of brushing, technique makes flossing work; bad technique can cause damage, so:
- Wind approximately 45 cm of floss around your middle fingers and grip it tightly between your thumbs and index fingers.
- Keeping the thumb and index close together, gently (to avoid trauma) guide the floss between the teeth. Use a side-to-side motion to ensure the sides of both teeth are cleaned equally.
- To clean the base of the tooth, curl the floss around it and insert gently under the gum.
If flossing with your fingers is difficult, talk to Thornton Dental about floss threaders, oral irrigators, and other at-home tools that can help.
Learn more here
Healthy diet and low sugar intake
Thornton Dental’s recommendations are similar to those of the ADA:
- Limit your sugar intake. Sugar is taken up by bacteria, resulting in acids that attack the outer layer of tooth enamel and cause decay.
- Fluoridated tap water is best.
- Read the ingredients panel on food products as many have hidden sugars.
- Choose teeth friendly foods such as cheese, nuts and vegetables.
- Avoid snacking and grazing.
- Make water your beverage of choice and regularly sip it throughout the day.
It is not just obviously sugary foods that can lead to decay. Foods with hidden sugars like biscuits, cereals, and dried fruit can cause acid attacks on your tooth enamel.
Here are three teeth friendly habits to reduce your risk of tooth decay
- Have three meals at regular times each day, instead of snacking and grazing.
- Have your sugary treats as part of a meal, not as a snack. This allows saliva to clean and defend your mouth.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
Learn more about sugar and oral health here
Visit Your Thornton Dental dentist on a regular schedule
Regular visits to Thornton Dental are important to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. During your checkup, we will evaluate the health of your gums, perform a head and neck examination and examine your mouth for any indications of oral cancer, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, jaw problems, etc. Your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth and give you oral hygiene tips they think are appropriate.
Why Choose Thornton Dental?
- We focus on patient care
- Exceptional infection control
- Friendly, approachable and experienced team
- Child-friendly and relaxing environment
- Patient comfort, safety and satisfaction are our primary goals
- Customised care tailored to your specific needs
- Integrity, high standards, premium quality materials
- Anxiety control and pain management
Thornton Dental serves the community of Thornton, Beresfield, Tarro, Woodberry, East Maitland, Chisholm, Raymond Terrace, Green Hills, Metford, Ashtonfield, Tenambit, Morpeth, Lorn, Bolwarra Heights, and surrounding areas of Maitland.
New Patients Promotions
- Pay No Gap : No Gap for dental checkup, clean, fluoride & 2 x-rays (with any health insurance)
- No Health Insurance : Only $145 ($95 for kids) for Checkup, Clean & Fluoride
Call us on (02) 4966 2996 or book your appointment online today!
