FOCUS ON… A healthy mouth

Protect your smile by following our easy, expert advice

1 Brush twice According to a YouGov survey, 27%* of people in the UK only brush once a day, and 2% don’t brush at all! But a morning and evening brush are important. ‘The benefits of this routine are two-fold,’ says Dr Sahil Patel, cosmetic dentist and founder of Marylebone Smile Clinic. ‘The physical action of brushing teeth and gums reduces the chance of gum disease developing, and fluoride (the major active ingredient in toothpaste) helps harden enamel against tooth decay.’

2 Floss daily

It can be easy to forget, but flossing is just as essential as brushing. ‘Floss is designed to release debris from the areas between teeth, where they touch. This is called the contact point and is a high-risk area for decay,’ explains Dr Patel. ‘Using floss, or interdental brushes, reduces your risk of needing fillings in the future.’

3 Cut the sweet stuff

We all know that sugar isn’t good for us, but a little of what we love is OK. ‘If sugary drinks and foods increase your happiness, then I feel teeth are secondary to this,’ says Dr Patel. ‘However, exposure of more than four intakes of refined sugar per day can increase the chances of tooth decay.’ So, treat yourself – but not too much.

4 Spit, don’t rinse Do you rinse your mouth out with water after brushing? It’s time to stop. ‘Spitting allows the fluoride within toothpaste to remain on the tooth surfaces, increasing the benefits of fluoride exposure,’ says Dr Patel.

And don’t worry about fluoride hanging around, adds Dr Patel. ‘Fluoride exposure is topical – this means it’s not absorbed into the body anywhere near as easily as if it was ingested or injected.’

5 Don’t forget your tongue

To reduce the risk of smelly bacteria building up, give your tongue a gentle brush with your toothbrush. ‘While there’s no clear evidence of the health benefits of this – as it depends on your diet or lifestyle – tongue cleaning can reduce the risk of bad breath,’ says Dr Patel.

6 Schedule dentist appointments ‘Health checks are designed to screen your teeth for decay, gum disease and oral cancer,’ says Dr Patel. However, how frequently you attend should be according to your risk factors, he says.

These include your lifestyle – such as drinking or smoking – and your dietary habits, as well as your family history and what dental work you’ve already had. ‘Ask your dentist for guidance on how often would be optimum for you,’ advises Dr Patel.