One of the most frequent misconceptions with patients is that an annual hygiene appointment and daily cleaning of the teeth is enough to ensure healthy teeth and gums. Admittedly this is a good start; however you have to invest more time and energy into ensuring a healthy mouth for life.

Poor dental hygiene can lead to gingivitis, bad breath and dental cavities.

Gum disease causes at least one third of tooth loss in adults, and tooth decay is the most common disease in families across the globe.

During the recession some people have worked under the false economy of only visiting their dentist or hygienist when they are in pain and not for their regular check-ups. However, what if by missing those check-ups you have decay which leads to you requiring a root canal treatment or crown (or even both!). This could cost up to ten times the cost of that check-up avoided.

So, apart from the regular check-ups and daily cleaning mentioned above, there is much more you could be doing. This includes daily flossing and following a dental health plan outlined by one of the Pembroke team who may recommend using interdental brushes or mouth rinses.

What can you do?

Firstly you should be cleaning for two minutes, twice per day. You should also floss daily to remove any food or plaque from between the teeth. Ask our dentist Dr Keenan or one of the team for advice on brushing as you may be doing it incorrectly. They will also advise you on how to floss and if you should be using interdental brushes. Call us in our Dublin dentist practice today at 01 668 3242.