Top tips for maintaining good oral hygiene this festive period - Dentist Surrey

We’re all getting more excited as Christmas and the holidays edge closer, but this can be a detrimental time for your teeth and oral health if care is not taken to protect them. Don’t worry, here at Sync, we’re not advocating a ban on all sweet and sugary treats but are offering the best tips to maintain the best level of care for your teeth and avoid cavities.

• Brush regularly – We know it’s a busy time of year and between opening presents and having Christmas dinner, time can get away, but keeping to your regular hygiene routine is one of the best things you can do. So, make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes and floss
• Eat in moderation – The one day of the year where it’s acceptable to have chocolate for breakfast. It’s perfectly okay to indulge in sugary and fattening foods, but make sure you do so with self-control. Not only will this protect your teeth from becoming coated in plaque, but will also stop you from eating too much and feeling poorly
• Drink with a straw – We love a sparkly drink as much as the next person, but fizzy drinks are full of sugar which will produce acid that attacks the enamel on your teeth. Using a straw limits the amount of liquid that touches your teeth, make sure you use a paper or metal straw to be environmentally friendly!
• Book to see the hygienist – To boost your oral hygiene and prevent gum disease and decay, booking to see the hygienist is one of the best things you can do. The hygienist at Sync will perform a professional clean removing all plaque and tartar from your teeth, including what is difficult to reach with a toothbrush.

Spotting the signs of gum disease

If you are worried about any part of your oral health, do not wait until the New Year to see the dentist. It is important to learn the tell-tale signs of gum disease so that the problem can be reversed. If left too long, gingivitis (early gum disease) can lead to periodontitis which is not reversible but treatable.

Gum disease is a result of plaque build up that leads to bacteria irritating the gum tissue. The biggest symptom of gum disease is red and inflamed gums, followed by bleeding gums when brushing, mouth sensitivity and bad breath.

What is the difference between a hygiene appointment and a check-up?

The purpose of a hygiene appointment is to help you maintain excellent oral health in between check-ups with the dentist. The hygienist asks a few lifestyle and dental questions so that the appointment can be tailored to your needs so you can get the best treatment possible. The hygienist will then carry out a scale and polish which removes all tartar and plaque build-up as well as surface stains, resulting in smoother and cleaner feeling teeth.

If you are interested in booking a hygiene appointment, please contact one of the friendly team today for more information.