Prioritize Your Oral Health at Clock House Dental

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At Clock House Dental, we believe that your oral health is our priority. During each exam, our team will thoroughly check your oral hygiene, including assessing for tooth decay, evaluating your gum health, and screening for oral cancer.

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Personalized Care and Practical Advice

We are committed to providing you with practical advice to help you maintain your oral health and manage issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

Brushing Recommendations:

• Technique: Brush your teeth using a medium toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, twice daily.

• Method: Use a circular motion to ensure the bristles massage the gum line, effectively cleaning where your teeth and gums meet. A consistent approach helps avoid missed spots.

• Post-Brushing Care: We recommend not rinsing your mouth after brushing to keep fluoride on your teeth. If you choose to use mouthwash, select an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash, and use it at a different time than brushing.

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Daily Cleaning Tools:

• Incorporate cleaning between your teeth daily with options like floss, interdental brushes, or air/water flossers.

• Consider using an electric toothbrush, which can be effective in aiding your routine and help prevent over-brushing, making oral care more enjoyable.

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For comprehensive information on mouth health, visit the Oral Health Foundation at Prevention and advice | OralHealth Foundation.

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Understanding the Connection Between Overall Health and Oral Health

Your overall health can significantly impact your oral health, and vice versa. Various factors, including medications, medical conditions, diet, workplace conditions, and social habits, can all play a role. Consult your dentist for tailored advice.

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Smoking and Oral Health: Smoking is linked to oral and respiratory cancers and is a leading cause of tooth loss due to gum disease. Cigarettes contain vasoconstrictors, which reduce blood circulation in the mouth, masking signs of gum disease. If you quit smoking, you may experience increased gum bleeding as your body begins to recover.

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Vaping Considerations: As vaping is relatively new, long-term studies on its effects are lacking. We recommend reducing or stopping vaping as part of your oral health strategy.

For more details, check out the Oral Health Foundation's resources on Smoking and oral health.

Alcohol Consumption: Regular alcohol use is associated with oral cancer, and it’s advised to limit intake to no more than 14 units per week. Here’s a breakdown of units in common drinks:

• Pints of beer, lagers, and ciders: 2-3 units each

• Standard glass of wine: just over 2 units

• Alcopop bottles: about 1.5 units each

• Standard spirit measures: 1 unit

For more information, visit Alcohol units | Alcohol Change UK.

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The Importance of a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and other health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

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Understanding Tooth Decay: Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth convert sugars from food into acid, which can erode tooth enamel. Here are some key points:

• Enamel Erosion: It can take time to penetrate enamel, but once it does, it can quickly affect the underlying dentine, potentially leading to pain and abscesses.

• Dietary Suggestions: Limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes and opt for safer snacks like crisps, cheese, or breadsticks. Even sugar-free fizzy drinks can harm enamel due to their acidity, so consume them sparingly.

• Post-Meal Brushing: Wait at least 30 minutes to an hour before brushing your teeth after eating, as your mouth remains acidic during that time, and brushing could exacerbate erosion.

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For further information, explore the following resources:

• Diet and my teeth – Oral Health Foundation

• Gum disease – Oral Health Foundation

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Caring for Dentures

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth that rest on your gums. To ensure optimal oral health:

• Cleaning Routine: Remove dentures after meals for cleaning and rinse your mouth.

• Nighttime Care: Take out your dentures while sleeping to allow your gums to rest. Failing to remove and clean them can lead to fungal infections.

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For more information on denture care, visit Denture cleaning – Oral Health Foundation.

If you have any questions or need personalized advice, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your oral health is essential to us, and we’re here to help you every step of the way!