Many first time patients at Ballinrobe Dental are shy or embarrassed to discuss their dental care habits. Please don’t be! We need to establish a starting point and only then can the improvement begin.

Clean teeth and gums are vital for both dental and general health. Recent research has shown a link between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, lung disease and low birth weight babies.

Brushing

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Be gentle, scrubbing only damages your gums.
• The most important time to brush is last thing at night, before you go to sleep.
• Don’t rush. If you rush you will miss areas of plaque, and again may damage your gums.
• Use a Philips Sonicare Electric Toothbrush, available to purchase at Ballinrobe Dental, at a special discounted price for our patients.

Use the proper equipment

• Fluoride Toothpaste.
• Soft / Medium Bristle Brushes.
• An electric toothbrush is best.
• Children love electric toothbrushes, if your child is reluctant to brush, try them with an electric brush.

Use the proper technique

• Ask for a brushing and flossing demo!
• Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
• Remember to brush the sides of the teeth as well as the top biting surfaces.

Use Plaque Disclosing Tablets

• Ask in your pharmacy for this product.
• This is a special dye that highlights areas you have missed when brushing.
• Your brushing technique can then be modified to include these missed areas.
• Use once a month to make sure you are brushing effectively.

Keep your equipment clean

• Rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing.
• Allow the brush to air dry.
• Do not place your brush in a closed container. This can encourage bacteria to grow on your brush.

Know when to replace your brush

• When the bristles become flattened or frayed it is time for a new brush or brush head.
• A brush should last about 2 months.

Flossing

Flossing is essential for excellent oral health. A brush cannot reach between your teeth. Bacteria “hide” between our teeth and must be removed everyday, if you want decay free teeth, healthy gums and fresh breath.

• Use a big piece of floss, waxed floss is best as it slides between tight teeth. Be gentle, use an “up & down” motion. Avoid “sawing” floss between teeth as this can damage your gums.
• Take it one tooth at a time. Rub the floss against the sides of the tooth to scrape off plaque (bacteria mixed with food). Use a fresh section of floss for every tooth.
• Don’t give up! The more you floss the easier it gets. If you find flossing too difficult try using a floss holder, interdental cleaner or “Tepe brush”. These products are available at your pharmacy.

To prevent gum disease and other oral health problems, schedule regular
dental examinations and scaling (cleaning).

You should visit the dentist at least twice a year.