I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
Maintaining clean healthy teeth is something everyone should be able to do with minimal effort and cost. Yet far too many Australian adults fail to visit the dentist enough, and don't take their oral hygiene as seriously as they could. This can lead to more than just bad breath. Plaque, tartar, gingivitis and stained enamel are just some of the results of poor dental hygiene, which can harm an individual's self-confidence, lead to frequent pay-outs at the local dental clinic, and in extreme cases require a visit to an emergency dentist. Fortunately there are a few simple tips that can supplement regular brushing to reduce your likelihood of facing these problems.
Mouthwash
Buying mouthwash is an effective supplement to brushing. However if it contains large traces of alcohol it can actually cause more harm than good. Alcohol dries out the mouth and affects the production of saliva, which can lead to a jelly-like substance forming on the walls of the mouth that is both unpleasant and unsightly. A dry mouth, which lacks saliva, becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and consequently bad breath. Instead choose a mouthwash with no alcohol and chew sugar free gum as well throughout the day to stimulate the saliva glands. You could also ditch the mouthwash altogether and opt for a more natural approach.
Coconut oil and water
Water and coconut oil are fantastic options when it comes to rinsing out your mouth. Water is PH balanced and won't dry out the mouth and can be gargled after food and dark or acidic drinks to remove food debris and acids that can erode teeth and encourage bacterial growth. Coconut oil on the other hand can actually kill bacteria, fungus and microbes and has been used for many years as a preventative method for gum disease. Rinsing your mouth with coconut oil (a technique known as oil pulling) for five to twenty minutes will help to keep your breath fresh, your teeth white and plaque at bay.
Bicarbonate of Soda
Bicarbonate of soda is also a great natural teeth-cleaning product. Just apply to coconut oil to form a paste and replace your normal toothpaste. It's mildly abrasive and can help to scrub your teeth clean, whilst neutralising acids in the mouth that corrode enamel. You can mix up a batch a put into an airtight jar, or mix some up fresh every day. You can even add your favourite essential oils for both flavour and more anti-bacterial fighting power. Just be sure not to swallow the paste though.
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