Top Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth

Daily Habits That Make a Difference

Good oral health starts with a proper brushing technique. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush for two minutes, twice daily. You  might be tempted to go for a hard brush and scrub your teeth, but this can damage your gums and tooth enamel – over vigorous brushing can be as harmful as not brushing enough!

Many people rush through brushing, but setting a timer can help you check you’re giving your teeth the attention they deserve. Most electric toothbrushes have a two-minute timer broken into four 30-second bursts, one for each quadrant of your mouth. Pay special attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach back teeth. And remember to brush gently, not scour or scrub!

Flossing is equally important, though we don’t all do it. A government survey revealed that only 31% of UK adults use floss regularly. Make it a habit to floss at least once daily, ideally before bedtime. This removes food particles and plaque from between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. If you find traditional floss challenging, try interdental brushes or water flossers – both are excellent alternatives approved by dental professionals.

The Impact of Food and Drink

What we eat and drink plays a crucial role in our oral health. Sugary foods and drinks are particularly problematic as they feed harmful bacteria in our mouths, leading to acid production that erodes tooth enamel. It’s fine to enjoy the occasional sweet treat, but try to limit sugary snacks between meals.

Acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, wine and fizzy drinks, can also damage tooth enamel. If you do enjoy these, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing – this gives your saliva time to neutralise the acids and prevent further enamel erosion.

Be mindful if giving juice to young children. Water is a much better option for both tooth health and sugar intake. Alarmingly, in 2022/23, there were 31,165 hospital admissions of children to extract decayed teeth. Annually, the estimated cost to the NHS of all tooth extractions in children is £40.7 million – most of this is from avoidable tooth decay.

On the positive side, certain foods can actually benefit your oral health. Cheese, yoghurt and milk are rich in calcium and phosphates that help remineralise tooth enamel. Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery act as natural tooth cleaners and stimulate saliva production, which helps protect against decay.

Additional Tips for Optimal Mouth Health

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. The UK’s fluoridated tap water is particularly beneficial for teeth – approximately 10% of the UK population receives fluoridated water, with studies showing these areas have up to 28% less tooth decay in children. If you don’t live in such an area (mainly the West Midlands and North East of England), fluoride toothpastes can help.

• You could consider using a fluoride mouthwash at a different time to brushing. This provides additional protection against decay, but remember it’s not a substitute for brushing and flossing.

• Regular dental check-ups are vital – aim to visit your dentist every six months, or as recommended by your dental team. However, statistics show that about 27% of adults only visit the dentist when they have a problem. Regular check-ups can spot potential issues early and provide professional cleaning to remove stubborn plaque and tartar.

Lifestyle Habits

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have a major impact on oral health, leading to staining, gum disease and more serious conditions. If you need support in stopping smoking, the NHS offers excellent free resources and support services.

Remember, maintaining healthy teeth isn’t about perfection – it’s about consistent, good habits. By following these tips and making them part of your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a healthy, confident smile for years to come.