7 ways to better oral health
It’s important to know how to care for your teeth and gums. Professor Damien Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, gives these tips:
1 Brush twice a day, for at least two minutes, with a 2 toothpaste containing 1,350-1,500ppm fluoride. Clean teeth before bed and at another time in the day. Wait an hour after eating or drinking – sugary or 3 acid foods soften enamel, but it hardens again in an hour. Spit, don’t rinse, even with fluoride mouthwash, to 4 keep the protective fluoride in your mouth longer. It doesn’t matter if you use an electric or manual toothbrush, as long as you brush all surfaces, including 5 between the teeth – interdental brushes can help. The latest thinking on flossing is that there’s no strong evidence it’s beneficial, but it can be useful when the 6 space between teeth is too tight for an interdental brush. Don’t ignore bleeding – it’s a sign of gum disease or gingivitis caused by plaque, the film of 7 bacteria on the teeth we remove by brushing. Lemon juice in hot water first thing is not recommended as it’s acidic and can affect enamel – only drink it with food. Try to have nothing but hot water up to an hour before bed.