Oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene results in a healthy-looking and fresh-smelling mouth.

This includes the following:

• teeth are clean and free of food debris and plaque
• gums have a pink colour, and while brushing or flossing they are not painful and do not bleed
• Bad breath is not a permanent problem
  If your gums are sore or bleed during brushing or flossing and if you have persistent bad breath, it is wise to contact your dentist. This is because these symptoms may indicate that something is wrong.Your dentist or dental hygienist can help you learn good oral care techniques and point out areas of your mouth that need extra attention during brushing and flossing.In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple measures that anyone can take to minimise the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and other dental conditions. Some of these measures include:
  brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily
• a balanced diet and minimising snacks between meals
• use of toothpaste and other dental care products containing fluoride
• rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash, if your dentist recommends it