Ask the hygienist

From the secret weapon for a perfect clean to how to avoid staining your pearly whites, dental health specialist Amanda Sheehan helps us brush up on the basics of looking after our smiles

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR GOOD DENTAL HYGIENE?

‘Adults should use a toothpaste that contains between 1,350 and 1,500ppm of fluoride, as it offers protection against tooth decay and helps with remineralisation in the early stages of erosion. You should then brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. I recommend doing it before having breakfast to protect against acidic fruit juices or hidden sugars in your food, as well as before you go to bed.

‘Spit, don’t rinse, after brushing. This allows the fluoride from the toothpaste to stay on tooth surfaces for longer, prolonging the protective benefits. You should also aim to clean between your teeth with interdental brushes or dental floss at least once a day.’

WHY IS CLEANING BETWEEN YOUR TEETH SO IMPORTANT?

‘A toothbrush only cleans about 60% of the tooth’s surface, but combining with interdental brushing helps take that up to 100%, removing the plaque and food debris from in between teeth that can cause decay and gum disease.

‘If you’re able to fit them in the gaps between your teeth, Tepe brushes are the gold standard of interdental cleaning. Your dental professional will be able to recommend the correct size for you. If your teeth are closer together or overlap, dental floss is a good alternative.’

HOW CAN I GET WHITER TEETH?

The best advice is to maintain a healthy diet

‘Regular cleaning will help to prevent the build-up of plaque and staining of the tooth’s surface. Try to steer clear of food, drink and substances that are likely to stain, such as red wine, tea, coffee, cola and smoking. Anti-staining toothpastes can also help but not all are suitable for daily use due to their abrasive properties, so always consult your dentist or hygienist before purchasing. Professional whitening procedures, which involve bleaching the teeth, are an option but should only be carried out by a qualified dental practitioner after undergoing a thorough assessment.’

SHOULD I BE USING MOUTHWASH?

‘There may be benefits to using a fluoride mouthwash during the day, when toothbrushing isn’t possible. Your dental professional will be able to recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to help control plaque and reduce the risk of gum disease. Using a mouthwash immediately after brushing isn’t advised, though, as it can wash away the beneficial fluoride residue from the tooth’s surface.’

ARE THERE ANY DIET TIPS FOR HEALTHY TEETH?

‘The best advice is to maintain a healthy diet and avoid frequent consumption of sugar. Keeping any sugary food and/or drink to mealtimes only will help to limit the impact of acid on your teeth. Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum after meals can also help neutralise the ph balance of your mouth, further reducing your risk of tooth decay.’

Tepe is recommended by 94% of UK dental hygienists*. Find out more at tepe.com