Everyone wants to be able to have a healthy smile; every dentist knows what we all need to do, and yet many of us still struggle with it. Know the feeling? We thought you might! That's why we're going to talk you through everything needed to bridge the gap between dental practices and their patients. And because every patient will be expecting to hear all about how they need to brush more often, we're going to start by moving in a totally different direction.
We are what we eat (and drink)
Because many of us think that a trip to the dentist and a bit of brushing will put everything right, we're going to start this guide with something much more fundamental. Our bodies can only build and repair using what we put into them, and if that means we're giving them lots of sugary, acidic foods, they're going to be battling our dietary habits for years to come.
Dental practices that educate their patients on the following key points will be able to make real progress when it comes to maximising positive patient outcomes:
- Removing sugary snacks and drinks from daily diets and keeping them as special treats will help protect delicate tooth enamel from erosion
- Staying hydrated will regularly rinse out the mouth, keep the soft tissue moist, and help produce more saliva to fight off bacterial growth
- Eating crunchy fruit and veg raw will help improve bone density in the teeth and jaw, stimulate growth and repair in the gums, and also naturally clean each tooth
Alongside the correct diet, it's important to take a look at the specifics of brushing, such as when to do it, how to do it, and what to do it with.
Practice brushing as a skill
Dentists who convince their patients that brushing is a skill to be practiced, rather than a chore to be endured, will be able to see positive results across the board. Breaking this down into several key components is the best approach to take:
- Twice-daily brushing with a fluoride-rich toothpaste for at least two minutes at a time is essential
- Flossing between meals is a proven way to remove food debris and combat the growth of plaque and tartar
- Replacing a toothbrush every 1-2 months will ensure that it is in optimal condition to provide thorough cleaning on all surfaces
Dental practices should also provide their patients with additional options, such as a range of interdental brush sizes from a trusted national supplier. These types of brushes not only help the practice extend a helping hand, but they also ensure that patients become more invested in the brushing process. By showing patients how many additional areas they can reach with the right-sized brush, dentists can make a very compelling case for a little extra investment by the patients.
Quitting smoking helps every smile
Aside from the health benefits of cutting smoking that we are all aware of, there are also the aesthetic and cosmetic benefits that come from no longer staining the teeth. Smokers who opt to have cosmetic whitening treatments will find that, sooner rather than later, they are losing the flawless brilliance of their new smile. Stopping smoking may be much easier said than done, but it is something that will make a world of difference to every smile.
Rinsing separately from brushing
Many of us are in the habit of using mouthwash straight after we brush our teeth at night, and while we mean well, we're often doing nothing more than undoing much of our good work. The problem is that mouthwash will strip off the much-needed fluoride that the toothpaste has just applied, meaning that it won't have a chance to do anything meaningful. Waiting at least 30-45 minutes before rinsing and gargling with your choice of mouthwash is the best approach to take.
Wearing a mouthguard can help
If you play contact sports or grind your teeth due to stress, fitting a mouthguard may help. It's a proven way to protect the contact points between the teeth on the upper and lower jaw and can make a real difference if grinding is a chronic issue.
Regular appointments make the difference
Last but by no means least, making regular appointments with a local dentist is the best way to stay on top of things. Getting little issues addressed and corrected early, rather than waiting until you are in acute pain, is always the best approach to take.
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