LIVING, THINKING + BEING PAY YOUR DENTIST LESS, LOOK AFTER YOUR TEETH Let’s face it, dental care is expensive, but the really expensive procedures tend to happen when you’ve neglected your teeth. So, to cut down on those dentist’s bills, it’s a good idea to start looking after your teeth every day. Here are a few tips. Brush your teeth at least twice a day For two minutes morning and night, brush your teeth. That way you’ll manage to thoroughly clean all the surfaces, inner, outer and across the tops. You’ll have fresh breath in the morning and clean teeth for going to sleep at night. Use a soft-bristled brush or electric toothbrush, so you can also be massaging your gums without scraping them. Whatever kind of brush you use, be sure to replace it about every three months. Bent and broken bristles don’t clean properly and can also damage your gums. Don’t brush too soon after eating, food makes your mouth more acidic and your enamel softer. Wait about half an hour and then brush. Brush your tongue gently Because your tongue has an uneven surface and a whole lot of taste buds, food and bacteria can get trapped there. If you use a soft toothbrush you can gently brush your tongue with it. Some brushes come with a special rubbery back just for this. Rinse your mouth afterwards to get rid of the stuff you brush off. or even bleed a little, but keep going. Your gums will get tougher and healthier very soon. Floss your teeth every day With about 30cm of dental floss or a floss-pick, clean the surfaces between your teeth. Scrape up and down each side, that way you get the trapped food and plaque your brush misses. If flossing doesn’t work for you there are other solutions that work and are similar, like interdental brushes or water flossers. It’s best to get advice from your dentist on how to use these. You might have sore gums after flossing for the first time,
We hope this helps. If it has raised any questions for you, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book your appointment online now at bit.ly/bookapptonline F PN ACCENT DENTAL, 332 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 4374, www.accentdentists.co.nz
The Accent Is On YOU! Cosmetic Dentistry, Hygienist, Family Dentistry, 1- Hour Crowns. “So glad I found this dental practice. Dr Matt and his team were great! Very professional and friendly. Thank you guys!” – Thomas C Dr. Matt Sumner
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72 PONSONBY NEWS+ June 2018
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)