Oral hygiene is critical to maintaining healthy teeth, and prevention is very much better than cure.
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Dental at Lake Haven employs a full-time hygienist and oral health therapist to proactively ensure clients are educated.
“We aim to train our clients, particularly supervising adults if they are attending with their children, about things to consider to achieve ongoing, lifelong oral hygiene,” spokesperson Fran Clarke, said.
“They will typically talk clients through a range of topics – choice of toothpaste, toothbrush (manual versus power), diet, and maintenance of orthodontics – in order to ensure better oral hygiene.”
“When it comes to toothpastes we recommend people choose one that contains flouride because flouride strengthens teeth, making them more resistant to sugar and acid attacks which in turn reduces the need for visits to the dentist,” Fran said.
Diets high in sugar or acid can be detrimental to oral hygiene.
“Some parent don’t realise what’s in the food their eating,” Fran said. “We go through strategies to replace high sugar diets with food that is still yummy.”
Sports drinks are high in sugar and only rehydrate for a short while. Orange juice has a high acidic value and can weaken enamel if teeth are brushed within 20 minutes of consumption.
“We talk about alternatives to sports drinks and how if you want to drink orange juice, maybe waiting a minimum of 20 minutes before brushing.
“Water is the best fluid to consume, but other healthy substitutes might include soda water for example.”
Most kids should use manual toothbrushes to get the right circular motion required for effective brushing to brush the gums.
“Power brushes are more suitable for people with dexterity issues, attention problems or arthritis,” Fran said.
“Everyone should use a small soft head tooth brush.”
Parents and children are also instructed in how to look after braces.
“Orthodontics are a major investment and you want to look after that,” Fran said.
For more information, ring Dental at Lake Haven on 4392 6466 or visit www.dentalatlakehaven.com.au.