Care of Your teeth

The key to good oral hygiene is regular brushing of your teeth, at least twice a day, preferably after breakfast and last thing at night.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that normally live in the mouth, they cling to teeth and form a sticky, colourless film called dental plaque. The bacteria in plaque live on sugars and produce decay, which in turn produce acids that dissolve minerals on the surface of teeth. Tooth decay can also develop on the exposed roots of the teeth if you have gum disease or receding gums, where gums do not cover the base of the teeth, exposing the roots.

Modern electric tooth brushes are rechargeable and have replaceable brushes, these are now inexpensive and brush the teeth and gums with small circular motions, ensuring that dental plaque is controlled and gums protected. I will advise you on the precise regime you need to follow for your own dental health, but the use of floss, interdental brushes and mouth washes, are all important aids to oral health - and of course a regular dental checkup.