1) Brush for 2 minutes twice a day with fluoride toothpaste - it is simple but effective.
Health on Female First
2) If you see blood when you brush, it is likely that you have gum disease which is caused by a build-up of plaque (the sticky film that forms on the teeth which is made up of food and bacteria). Do continue to brush those areas, though not more vigorously but more often, to help remove the plaque build-up and subsequent gum disease.
3) Many people don't know that your toothbrush misses the spaces in between your teeth, leaving up to 40% of your tooth surfaces untouched. It is important to include interdental cleaning as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. For simple and effective interdental cleaning - try TePe Interdental Brushes, £3 - £3.50 at Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Boots, Superdrug and other major retailers and pharmacy's nationwide
4) Avoid frequent intake of sugary foods and drinks. Plaque produces acids in the presence of sugar and so the more frequent the intake of sugar through diet, the higher the risk of tooth decay. Even the sugar free varieties of carbonated drinks are acidic and can cause tooth surface erosion over time.
5) Avoid brushing for up to 40 mins after consuming acidic foods and drinks as these 'soften' the tooth surface (enamel) and immediate brushing can lead to erosion of the enamel. Forty minutes will give your mouth enough time for the saliva to harden the enamel and protect it.
6) Protect your lips from the drying and sometimes damaging effects of the weather. Lips are an integral part of a good smile so make sure you take care of them with a lip balm. Even better if you apply a lip balm with an SPF to help prevent skin damage.
7) If you are worried about bad breath, use a tongue cleaner to help remove plaque from the surface of your tongue, which can build up and cause bad breath. If it is your first time, avoid placing the tongue cleaner too far back. Begin cleaning from the front, slowly moving to the back of the tongue to ensure you don't trigger your gag reflex. Ask your dental hygienist to show you an effective comfortable technique if you are unsure.
8) Chewing sugar free gum after meals is a great way to freshen the mouth and encourage saliva flow to protect the enamel - saliva is Mother Nature's tooth repair solution!
9) If you are a frequent mouthwash user, you might be surprised to find that some mouthwashes can cause staining that only a dental care professional can remove so always read the advice on the label! Mouthwashes that contain Chlorhexidine and certain essential oils can leave staining on the tooth surface - there is usually a warning on the label.
10) Last but not least, make sure you regularly visit your dentist to ensure that your oral health is being properly monitored.
