Keep that perfect grin
From May 13 to June 13 the Oral Health Foundation will be championing the benefits of having good dental health as part of National Smile Month, writes Steve Cain.
In 1977, The British Dental Health Foundation launched a weeklong campaign known as “Smile 77”, aiming to build more public awareness about dental health. Now, nearly half a century later, National Smile Month (as the campaign is now known) continues to shine a spotlight on the importance of oral health and the power of a smile. The 2024 campaign will run under the theme of “Love Your Smile”, but did you know that, although the average UK adult will encounter 11 things a day that make them want to smile, more than half feel self-conscious about the state of their smile?
Having a healthy smile is both physically and psychologically beneficial. It can boost your confidence, improve your appearance and even affect how you are perceived by other people.
National Smile Month is a great opportunity to take a moment to think about your oral health and, more importantly, how it can be improved.
Here is some bite-sized advice.
BRUSH UP ON DENTAL HYGIENE
Floss from the gum to the tip of the tooth. Don’t saw the tape through the gap.
Move along your strip of floss to ensure you’re using a clean portion beside every tooth and not merely transferring bacteria from one tooth to another.
Always be gentle to avoid cutting gums.
Always floss properly at night to prevent tucked-away bacteria and tooth decay while you sleep, and add quick flossing sessions in the morning or before going out to freshen up.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR TONGUE
Scraping your tongue once a day when brushing your teeth – with the textured back of your toothbrush or a special tongue-scraper – could help balance the bacteria in your mouth and trigger improved health, according to specialists.
Studies show that tongue-scraping gives “good” bacteria a chance to flourish in the mouth, where it generates a chemical called nitric oxide, which helps to regulate the body’s natural ageing process. It also helps reduce bad breath, as half of all cases are caused by bacterial build-up on the tongue.
DON’T RUSH TO RINSE
Try to avoid rinsing straight after brushing your teeth. The fluoride in your toothpaste carries on working for up to 40 minutes after you brush. Rinsing too soon will wash the fluoride off your teeth before it’s had a chance to complete the job.
TWICE DAILY FOR TWO MINUTES
Be sure to brush for at least two minutes, at least twice daily (ideally with an electric toothbrush), and clean between your teeth with interdental brushes, a water flosser and dental floss.
SHOW SOME SENSITIVITY
As our gums recede with age and tooth enamel starts to wear thin, tooth sensitivity can become a problem. Dentists recommend:
Choosing sensitive toothpaste and trying different brands to find the one that works best for you.
Invest in an electric toothbrush they are more effective and kinder to gums.
Avoid acidic foods which erode enamel.
ULCER TREATMENT
Mouth ulcers are common and usually harmless, but they can be painful and uncomfortable. Here’s how you can manage them:
Eat softer foods, and avoid rough, crunchy food. Also steer clear of very hot or acidic drinks, and spicy, sour, salty or acidic foods.
When brushing your teeth, use a soft-bristled brush. Don’t use toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate.
Ask your pharmacist about medication. Antimicrobial, or analgesic mouthwashes, gel or spray may help. So too may corticosteroid lozenges.
If the ulcer has lasted over three weeks and not responded to selfcare, or is different from other mouth ulcers you’ve had before (eg larger than usual or near the back of your throat) see a dentist to exclude more serious causes.
TAKE TOOTHACHE SERIOUSLY
You should never ignore toothache. The pain usually gets worse – a new twinge or area of sensitivity could be a sign of decay, which can lead to cavities and more pain. Seek urgent dental care if you’ve cracked, fractured or lost a tooth or if you are experiencing severe toothache. Abscesses, swelling, aching and bleeding all need quick attention.