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Five top tips for looking after your teeth

Looking after your teeth and keeping your mouth fresh and healthy is easy – follow our top tips to get the sparkle back in your smile!

 

Scrub up

We all know we should brush our teeth. But do you know when and for how long? Brushing straight after food will lead to tooth wear, so brush before eating in the morning and last thing before bed. Use a medium bristle brush for 2 mins for best results. Electric toothbrushes are a great option for patients with stains or who find it hard to use a manual brush.

Spit don’t rinse!

After you brush, spit out the toothpaste from your mouth – but don’t rinse it! Allow time for the active ingredients in your paste to work their magic on the surfaces of your teeth.

What lies beneath

Remember the last time you cleaned the dark corners of your fridge or cooker? Brushing only cleans the visible surfaces of your teeth, and doesn’t reach the plaque that gets caught in the nooks and crannies around your mouth. Don’t forget to clean between your teeth every night using interdental brushes or floss.

Keep in check

Regular visits to your dentist and hygienist are a critical part of your oral health. At your dental checkup you will be screened for dental decay, gum disease and oral cancer.  Your hygienist will help you keep gum disease at bay and can reach areas under the gum that you can’t at home.

Eat for your teeth

Frequency of sugary and acidic foods leads to decay and tooth wear. Limit acid attacks to three per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner). If you need a treat, have it as part of your meal, rather than a snack. Looking after your teeth means choosing low-sugar low-acid foods such as raw vegetables, nuts and cheese if you need a snack on the go. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth healthy and ward off bad breath.