This year Dental Health Week, running from August 7th to 13th, has the theme of Oral Health For Busy Lives.
The Australian Dental Association and My Local Dentists West Ryde would like to take this opportunity to point out that, no matter how busy you are or where you are in life, it is possible to fit caring for your teeth and gums into your hectic schedule.
Your schedule may make caring for your teeth and gums seem like an option, something to be put aside in favour of more important things, but the fact is that it’s critical that you care for your teeth and gums.
At My Local Dentists West Ryde we know life is complicated and maintaining your oral health isn’t always the first thing on your mind. We also know that having healthy teeth and gums is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Whether your oral health habits are good, bad, or indifferent, My Local Dentists West Ryde is here to help you take charge of your dental health, and by doing so take charge of your time.
Why Should You Care?
Because poor dental hygiene can have outcomes from annoying to catastrophic:
- Bad Breath
- Unattractive Smile
- Cavities
- Gum Disease
- Lost Teeth
- Diabetes
- Risk of Dementia
- Damaged Immune System
- Brain Abscesses
These kinds of problems take time (and money!) to deal with. So your investment in oral hygiene today is an investment in more, healthier time later – and time with more money!
A Little Time At Home Can Save A Lot Of Time In The Chair
At home you MUST spend time on your dental health. Fortunately this can take as little 5 minutes a day and can lead you to more time, and more productive time, in the future.
The good news, is that you already know what it is you should do:
Brush twice a day. Don’t try to save time on this step. Take time to do a thorough job.
Use good technique. If you think your technique needs an update, just ask us at My Local Dentists West Ryde!
Use proper equipment. Use toothpaste your West Ryde dentist recommends and a soft-bristled toothbrush. And buy a new toothbrush regularly!
Keep your equipment clean. Rinse your toothbrush after brushing and keep it away from other brushes, and uncovered. This will minimize bacteria.
Flossing. Tear off about 46 centimeters of dental floss and wind most of it around one middle finger and the rest around your other middle finger. Don’t snap the floss past your teeth into your gums, as this can harm them.
Use a scraper and mouthwash. As an extra step, tongue scrapers and mouthrinses can help you maintain an even healthier mouth.
Oral Hygiene On The Go
Another strategy is to work on your oral hygiene when you have time, wherever you are. Keep a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash handy. Brush and floss your teeth after drinking a cup of coffee or enjoying a sugary beverage. Brushing and flossing your teeth at work is a great way to maintain a healthy mouth while also taking a break from work.
Consider keeping a dental kit in your purse or laptop bag. Place your dental tools in a zip lock bag to protect them from the elements. If your daily schedule or job requires you to travel around, carrying a dental care kit makes it simple to brush and floss on-the-go.
By carrying your dental tools with you, you can find the time to optimise your oral health!
Nutrition – Good Health with Little Time Commitment
Maintaining a good diet isn’t just important to your overall health, its also important to your oral health. And good nutrition shouldn’t cost much time – it’s mainly changing what you buy and drink.
So, what should you do?
- Avoid sugary or acidic foods, rinse after eating them.
- Eat starchy foods such as bread, cereal and pasta with meals to minimise the time teeth are exposed by eating them.
- Make sure that your meals are balanced, eating from all the food groups and getting the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals you need.
- Take supplements as discussed with your doctor and dentist.
- Move away from processed foods.
- Learn to read labels for nutritional information.
By following these strategies, you can save your teeth, oral health, and even your time!
My Local Dentists West Ryde Advantage
At My Local Dentists West Ryde, we provide you with personalised service. All our dentists are highly motivated and accredited practitioners with graduate degrees from the University of Sydney. As well as the dentists, the supporting staff at My Local Dentists West Ryde are highly dedicated and experienced to ensure each visit with us is comfortable as possible.
Special Offer for New Patients
GAP FREE
- General Check-up
- Scale and Clean
- X-rays and Fluoride treatment (with any health insurance)
Call us on (02) 9809 7000 or simply book your appointment online TODAY!