Keep smiling

Has oral hygiene slipped off your to-do list? We speak to the experts about how to give your teeth some TLC

According to the British Dental Association, 19 million fewer dental appointments were booked this year than expected, which could have a detrimental effect on the state of the nation’s teeth. So if you want to improve your smile and reset your oral care routine, we’ve got a few handy tips from the experts.

BRUSH UP ON THE BASICS

‘My biggest tip for brushing properly is to be intentional about it,’ says cosmetic dental expert Dr Uchenna Okoye. ‘People’s minds are often on other things when they brush, so they can scrub too hard or they don’t brush for long enough.’ If you’re guilty of over-brushing, she advises using an electric toothbrush. ‘Many of them have an indicator that tells you if you’re pushing too hard,’ she explains. ‘If patients prefer a manual brush, I suggest trying plaque-disclosing tablets which give them a visual aid. They then just brush away the stain.’

Timing is also key. ‘If you know you’re going to eat something sugary or acidic, brush beforehand rather than afterwards, as you risk spreading the sugars and acids over your enamel,’ advises Dr Okoye. ‘Otherwise, wait 45 minutes to an hour after eating before brushing.’

DON’T FORGET THE 40%

Using a toothbrush alone can only clean up to 60% of the tooth’s surface. To clean between the teeth, you need to use a Tepe interdental brush

If you know you’re going to eat something sugary or acidic, brush beforehand rather than afterwards

or dental floss. ‘Brushing on its own is not enough,’ says dental hygienist Anna Middleton. ‘Interdental cleaning with floss or brushes helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can occur when food and plaque are left lodged between teeth.

‘If your teeth are close together, then dental floss is recommended.

But, if you have space between your teeth, it can be a lot easier to use interdental brushes like Tepe. Always use the biggest size of brush possible – you may need more than one size.’

As well as a range of interdental brush sizes, Tepe also offers options with longer handles and angled heads for easier access between the back teeth.

WHITEN UP

Not all whitening toothpastes are created equal. ‘Some whitening toothpastes can be quite abrasive, so while they may remove surface stains, they also damage the enamel,’ says Dr Okoye. ‘Then it becomes a vicious circle because you will pick up more stains. It’s best to speak to your dentist to determine the cause of your discoloration and get their advice about the best toothpaste to use.’

A professional clean by a hygienist, who can remove any surface staining and plaque deposits, can also make a big difference to your teeth’s appearance. ‘A visit to the dental hygienist is the best place to start if you are looking for a whiter smile,’ says Middleton.

EAT YOUR WAY TO HEALTHIER TEETH

Nutritionist Anita Bean recommends a diet rich in crunchy fruit and vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, lean proteins, nuts, seeds and dairy to promote strong, healthy teeth. ‘Avoid having snacks between meals to limit the number of times your teeth are under attack from acids,’ she adds. ‘And try to limit sticky foods as these tend to stay on the teeth longer. If you do eat anything sticky, rinse with water afterwards.’

A clean with the hygienist can also make a big difference to your teeth’s appearance