A HEALTHY SMILE FOR A HEALTHY BODY

National Smile Month runs from Monday, May 18 to Thursday, June 18 and so to keep your pearly whites looking pearly, here are some top tips from expert Christina Chatfield, hygienist and owner of Dental Health Spa

Brush your teeth when you first get up and before you go to sleep:

They are the two most crucial times because saliva (which keeps cavity-causing bacterial plaque off teeth) dries up at night, so it’s best to brush the teeth before you go to bed. The bacteria in your mouth multiplys while you’re sleeping and by the time you awake they are pretty hungry. Bacteria feed on the carbohydrate (the sugars) in the foods we eat and turn it into acids which cause decay, unless you brush some of the bacteria away in the morning, there will be thousands of them waiting to tuck into your breakfast with you... Brushing is down to technique, whether you use power or manual, however electric toothbrushes are proven to be better than manual, improving technique and time taken. Choose one with a two-minute timer and brush twice daily.

Interdental cleaning:

Clean in between your teeth using little bottle brushes eg TePes or floss. Your hygienist or dentist can advise you on size, one size does not fit all. People often miss this part because they find getting into the routine hard, so they overcompensate by brushing harder or more often.

Toothpaste:

Use fluoride toothpaste, which helps to harden enamel and reduces your risk of decay. You should brush your teeth and spit the toothpaste and not rinse afterwards.

Mouthrinsing:

Follow your oral hygiene routine by rinsing with a mouthwash 30 minutes after brushing or at a different time, which not only makes your mouth taste great but also helps to eliminate any debris left after cleaning. A mouthwash that contains fluoride will also help protect the teeth from decay.

Clean your tongue:

The bacteria that sit on the surface of the tongue can be a major contributor to bad breath. Use a tongue scraper or a standard toothbrush to greatly reduce the bacteria.

Throw away your toothbrush...

or change the head of your electric toothbrush at least every two to three months. Otherwise, you're just transferring bacteria in your mouth. Plus a splayed out brush is ineffective in the hard to reach areas and is likely to just buff the surface of the tooth it touches.

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Diet:

Limit sugary food to mealtimes, bacteria in dental plaque change sugars into acids. Limit acidic drinks like soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices. Having a healthier diet and drinking plenty of water can improve gum health too. Don’t brush directly after you’ve eaten or have had something to drink because the surfaces of the teeth are softened, and further damage or wear will occur.

MORE INFO

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D www.dentalhealthspa.com D www.nationalsmilemonth.org D www.tepe.com/share/topics/discover-how-oral-health-effects