Clock Tower Dental Care

Sharon, Sam and Jane, our dedicated team of hygienists, have put together a list of their top 10 tips for healthy mouths to help anyone who is looking for the best way to care for their teeth. Their advice is a s follows:

1. Visit your dentist for regular examinations- they are not only checking for decay but also gum disease, oral cancer and healthy functioning of the jaws and teeth.
2. Brush your teeth twice a day and clean between the teeth using floss or inter-dental brushes as recommended by your dentist or hygienist
3. Smoking is bad for the overall health of your mouth and gums so if you want to keep your mouth healthy don’t do it
4. Limit sugar intake to 3 times a day and have it with meals.
5. Wear a mouthguard when playing active sports – ask your dentist about custom made mouthguards which offer the optimal fit and protection
6. Use a fluoride toothpaste, research does show that it helps to prevent decay
7. Don’t ignore bleeding gums, tell your dentist/hygienist at your next visit about them and use a toothpaste which promotes health gums
8. Renew your toothbrush every three months, ask your hygienist which one would be particularly suitable for your teeth
9. Eat a healthy diet
10.  Chewing sugar free chewing gum in between meals  promotes the production of saliva which has natural anti-bacterial properties

If you have any questions about these tips email the practice on info@clocktowerdentalcare.co.uk putting “hygiene tips” in the subject lines and Sharon, Sam or Jane will answer them for you.

From your teeth’s point of view water is not good for you when it has bubbles in it. Drinking sparkling mineral water is the same as drinking other non-sugar or diet fizzy drinks. While these drinks do not contain sugar they are acidic and can lead to acid erosion of the tooth surface which in turn can lead to sensitive teeth and excessive tooth surface loss.

So what can you do if you want to enjoy fizzy drinks and minimise the damage to your teeth?

• If you have a fizzy drink wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth to let the your salivia neutralise the acid in the drink and remineralise your teeth
• Drink them through a straw- the acid has less chance to attack the teeth
• Only have fizzy drinks occasionally- children especially should have not have fizzy drinks regularly

If your teeth are sensitive you should:

• Tell your dentist! Acid erosion is not the only cause of sensitivity.
• Limit your intake of acidic drinks and food eg red wine, fizzy drinks, citrus fruits and fruit juices
• Use a desensitising toothpaste to brush your teeth

To answer the question, plain water is good for you but sparkling water should be drunk in moderation for the benefit of your teeth.