Brush like a pro & keep it fresh
To keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy, it's important to have a good dental hygiene routine in place. If you want a sparkling smile, you should brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and have regular check-ups with your dentist.
How often should you go to the dentist?
It's important to visit your dentist for regular check-ups. At the moment though, because of coronavirus (COVID-19), all routine dental treatment has stopped. If you’re in pain, experiencing bleeding, swelling, or you’ve had an accident and need urgent dental care, call your dentist. If you can’t contact your dentist or you don’t have one, please use the NHS 111 online service. Once your dentist re-opens, don’t put off going for a check-up as detecting problems early can make them easier to treat. If problems aren't treated, they may lead to damage that’s more difficult to mend. You should also visit your dentist if you’re experiencing any dental pain or discomfort. When you're pregnant, hormonal changes can put you at higher risk of gum problems. Because of this, you’re entitled to free NHS dental treatment. To receive free treatment, you’ll need a valid prescription maternity exemption certificate which your midwife, doctor or health visitor can apply for online.
What makes a good dental hygiene routine?
It’s important to develop good oral hygiene habits and stick to a routine. Brushing regularly and cleaning between the teeth are especially important. There are plenty of ways to help keep your teeth and gums healthy:
Tooth brushing
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day for around two minutes each time, using toothpaste that contains fluoride. This should be before going to bed and at another point earlier in the day – make sure you remember to turn off the tap whilst you’re brushing! The head of the toothbrush should be able to reach all areas of the mouth. Make sure to carefully clean the areas where the teeth meet the gum but avoid brushing too hard as this can cause damage. We asked dentist and founder of The Humble Co, Noel Abdeyon, why regularly changing your toothbrush is important:
“Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months, swap this even sooner if you’ve had a cold or flu. A toothbrush can house more than 10 million bacteria. A toothbrush with an anti-bacterial handle will also help protect you from germs. Using a toothbrush alone reaches just 60 percent of the teeth’s surface, leaving behind bad bacteria that can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. Interdental brushes can reach those hard to reach areas for a deeper, more effective clean, helping to prevent gum disease by getting rid of pieces of food and plaque from between your teeth. Use an alternative to single-use plastics which is also better for the environment.” Psst! Over here! We’ve got a whole host of environmentally-friendly products from mouthwashes to toothpaste to toothbrushes. Go on, make a change for the better and add a touch of sustainability to your routine.
Cleaning between the teeth
If the spaces in between your teeth are not large enough for an interdental brush, flossing with dental floss could be a good option for you. To floss, cut off about 40 centimetres of flossing tape, wind the ends around the middle finger of each hand, grab the floss between the thumbs and first finger to obtain a tight three-to-four centimetre section which you can gently pull back and forth between the teeth. Lightly scrape the floss against the sides of each tooth from the gum outwards. Make sure to use a clean section of floss for each tooth and avoid cutting down into the gum. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash as well as – but not instead of – brushing and flossing.
Avoiding damaging food and drink
Sugary foods and drinks are the most common causes of tooth decay. Help to avoid decay and tooth erosion with food and drink by:
• Limiting the amount of sugary food and drink you have, including fizzy drinks, fruit juices and smoothies (as fruit is acidic and high in sugar)
• Choosing sugar-free snack options between meals (such as unsalted nuts, unsalted rice cake, carrot sticks)
• Chewing sugar-free gum after meals to help rub plaque from the tooth surfaces and stimulate the flow of saliva
• Not brushing your teeth within an hour of being sick (as stomach acid can attack the tooth enamel and brushing may further damage it)
What else can help maintain good oral hygiene?
Avoiding or giving up smoking can improve your oral hygiene, as smoking can stain your teeth yellow, cause bad breath and increase your risk of gum disease. It can also cause several other serious health problems. Your pharmacist or GP can suggest ways to help you stop smoking. Limiting your alcohol intake can also help, as alcohol can contribute to the erosion of the outer surface of the teeth, causing a loss of enamel. Certain foods and drinks like red wine, tea and coffee can all stain your teeth.
What are the risks associated with poor dental hygiene?
Bad breath
An unpleasant smell caused by the build-up of bacteria in the mouth.
Tooth decay
This happens when holes form in a tooth's hard outer surface (the enamel) due to a build-up of plaque (a sticky coating on the teeth). If you have tooth decay you may need fillings, crowns, inlays or even teeth removed.
Tooth erosion
If you eat and drink lots of acidic food and drinks, these can attack the hard surface of the teeth and wear away the tooth’s enamel. This can lead to your teeth being more sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.
Gum disease
This is caused by the build-up of plaque on the teeth, which can irritate the gums. There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis (which is inflammation of the gums), and periodontitis (which occurs if gingivitis gets worse). Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. While poor oral hygiene is mostly associated with problems in the mouth, it can cause issues in other areas of the body too. Research has linked the inflammation caused by gum disease, with an increased risk of damage to blood vessels in the heart and brain. Meaning there could also be a link between poor gum health and conditions like stroke, diabetes and heart disease.