We’ve put together five top ‘need-to-knows’ when it comes to your oral health. We also have two handy animations to show you how to brush your teeth and floss properly – something many people often don’t do correctly.
Two minutes twice a day
Two minutes twice a day is the basic rule to remember when it comes to brushing your teeth. Daily brushing removes plaque. And if plaque builds up in your mouth, it can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Use a fluoride toothpaste – fluoride helps to strengthen and protect teeth – and keep a clock or timer close by so you know when your two minutes is up. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is enough for adults, and a pea-sized smear for children.
Cut back on the sweet treats
Sugary drinks and foods are often in the media spotlight for causing weight gain and related health problems. But don’t forget, sugar affects your oral health from the moment it enters your mouth, causing damage and decay to your teeth.
It’s not a high level of sugar in your diet that causes tooth decay, but how often you eat sugar (how many acid attacks). Therefore, as well as trying to cut down on sugary foods and drinks in general, try to keep them to mealtimes.
Don’t forget to floss
It’s something many of you may not do as often as you should, or may not enjoy doing. But flossing your teeth is really important to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Unfortunately, brushing alone isn't enough to remove plaque that lurks deep between your teeth. Aim to floss at least three times a week. If you have difficulty using floss, you could try using a floss holder, dental tape or an interdental cleaning aid. These look like little pipe cleaners.
Keep it electric
Manual or electric? It’s a common question when it comes to oral health. Tests show that electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque, especially those with a head that rotates in both directions (oscillates) and pulsates.
Electric toothbrushes are especially useful for:
- disabled or elderly people, who have difficulty with movement
- children, as they may enjoy using one more than a manual brush
Your dentist will be able to recommend a good electric toothbrush.
If you do use a manual toothbrush, make sure you’re brushing correctly (see our animation above) and be sure to change your toothbrush every two to three months. Worn-out bristles on your toothbrush head won’t be effective at cleaning your teeth and gums.
Don’t skip the check-ups
The saying ‘prevention is better than the cure’ holds a lot of truth when it comes to your teeth and gums. Make sure you visit your dentist regularly – as often as they recommend. They will be able to spot any problems early on, which makes treatment easier.
As well as seeing your dentist, make sure you make an appointment with your hygienist. This is usually every six months to a year. However, they will advise you when you’ll need your next clean. Regular professional cleaning, alongside good oral care at home, will help keep your smile healthy.
Use National Smile Month as the perfect time to consider your oral health. Are you up to date with your appointments? When was your last professional clean? How about investing in an electric toothbrush? A healthy mouth will help you keep your teeth, have fresh breath, encourage you to smile and overall be more confident.
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