We are taught from a young age to look after our teeth if we want to keep them but are often not aware of the severity of the risks if we neglect them. Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to malnutrition, speech issues, and can seriously impact self-esteem, confidence, and our mental health. There is no magic formula; the truth is that for most people a regular routine of oral hygiene and a relatively healthy diet will keep your teeth, gums, and mouth in great shape. If you want to brush up on your oral hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and gums, here are 6 simple steps to follow.
- Brush regularly but carefully
If you do nothing else for your oral hygiene, you should be brushing your teeth before you go to bed and after your breakfast in the morning. Brushing for at least two minutes removes plaque and bacteria from the teeth, gums and a tongue, but it is important not to brush too aggressively as this can cause damage to the enamel and gums. Click here for NHS guidance on the correct way to brush teeth.
- Choose toothpaste with fluoride
There are lots of brands of toothpaste to choose from which can be confusing, but a good place to start when shopping is checking that it contains fluoride. Fluoride is derived from the natural element fluorine and plays a big role in the prevention of cavities. The government has even announced plans to add fluoride to the water supply in England and Wales.
- Floss on a daily basis
Flossing is not as common in the UK as it is in the US, but it can have big benefits for oral health. If it is not already, put it into your daily routine, for example, at the end of every day. Try flossing the bacteria, plaque, and leftover food debris from between the teeth.
- Visit your dentist twice a year
Whether you are having problems with your dental health or not, you should be visiting a dentist like Life Dental & Wellbeing at least twice a year. A dentist will check your teeth and gums for any early signs of decay or disease and treat the issue before it becomes a painful and costly problem. They may also carry out a thorough cleaning to get rid of plaque and tartar, and in some cases X-rays might be needed to check for cavities.
- Stop smoking
If you have not already heard enough reasons to quit smoking, your oral health is another one. Smoking increases a person’s risk of diseases including mouth cancer, weakens the immune system, and prevents the body from being able to repair areas that have been damaged. Smoking can also lead to tooth discolouration.
- Reduce sugar in your diet
A sugary diet increases the likelihood of decay, cavities and sensitivity, but it is not just chocolate, sweets and cakes that we need to careful about. Processed savoury foods also contain high levels of sugar, and foods with high levels of starch such as bread, pasta and potatoes turn into sugar when broken down. Take steps to reduce sugar in your diet and choose water over sugary drinks when possible.