The Do’s & Don’ts of Looking After Your Teeth

When it comes to our teeth, it’s important we do all we can to look after them. Some ways you can look after your oral health are well known, but others are easy to miss. Here are a few helpful do’s and don’ts, to help you keep your teeth healthy and strong.

The DO’s

1. Flossing 

Flossing is a major DO! It is something that you should do on a regular basis and is highly recommended. Although brushing can clean a large area of your teeth, there can still be small bits of food and debris stuck further up in your teeth and gums. This is where flossing comes in. Extracting these pieces of food and debris is important to ensure good dental health, and works towards preventing periodontal disease and tooth loss.

2. Mouthwash 

After brushing and flossing, mouthwash is a crucial next step. By using mouthwash, you are able to really flush out any extra bacteria, food debris and plaque that is left behind by your tooth brush. Like floss, it is a great way to access the areas of your mouth that your toothbrush just isn't capable of, which will help reduce the risk of plaque build-up. It is advised that you leave some time after brushing before you use your mouthwash each day, so that the fluoride in the toothpaste has a chance to work. Mouthwash will also leave you with fresher breath.

3. Regular brushing

Brushing regularly is crucial in keeping your teeth healthy. Though the general advice given is to brush twice a day, brushing additionally after your meals is also a good idea. Give yourself an hour between finishing your meal and brushing your teeth, as brushing too soon could damage your teeth's enamel. Electric toothbrushes are recommended over manual toothbrushes, though they can be an investment, electric brushes are the best option for keeping your teeth healthy and fresh, and due to the small brush head, they can even reach areas in your mouth that manual brushes struggle with.

4. Don’t forget to brush your tongue 

Though this might seem obvious, brushing your tongue is extremely important for your oral health. Not only does it help make your breath fresher and give you a cleaner feeling in your mouth, by brushing your tongue you also decrease the bacteria build up inside your mouth. Our tongues attract a significant amount of bacteria, and while some of it will be removed when you are brushing your teeth and using mouthwash, there is still a lot of bacteria that can linger on your tongue. Brushing your tongue is a good method for keeping your teeth healthier and cleaner overall.

5. Try using sugar-free gum

Though in the past gum has been looked at negatively in the teeth department, sugar-free gum in recent years has strongly grown and developed and is now highly recommended by dentists. Most sugar-free gums contain fluoride, which is what you find in your toothpaste and mouthwash, and this helps to keep your teeth clean. By chewing sugar-free gum, you are able to dislodge food and other things lingering in your mouth and teeth, particularly when you don’t have access to your toothbrush, i.e. at work, school, etc. Chewing sugar-free gum also helps to increase the saliva inside your mouth, helping to neutralise the acidity on your teeth.

The DON’TS

1. Use the same toothbrush for too long

Our toothbrushes need to be changed frequently, dentists advise changing them every 3 months. Though toothbrushes are an extremely effective tool, they are prone to wear and tear. Even the highest quality brushes will need to be replaced frequently, as all are prone to get worn-down bristles which will be less effective in cleaning your teeth. When the bristles begin to weaken and wear down, they lack the strength and resistance to properly remove all of the debris and build up in your mouth.

2. Press too hard during brushing

Though it is very important to be thorough when brushing, we need to remain cautious about applying too much pressure. Our gums in particular are very delicate and can more easily be at risk of getting infected, and even can be subjected to gum disease in some severe cases. Make sure you are being careful and alert when you brush, being aware of any pain, or bleeding caused by brushing.

3. Use your teeth as tools

Though it may sometimes seem easier and even more convenient to hold or open things with your teeth, this is not what they are designed for. Teeth may be strong, but there is always the possibility that using them improperly can cause light or even severe damage. Using your teeth as tools can cause damage such as cracks or chips to the tooth, cut gums, or injury to the jaw. In particular, avoid using your teeth to open things, avoid chewing on anything that isn’t food, and avoid holding items in your mouth.

4. Eat/drink foods or drinks that are high in processed sugar

Sugary foods and drinks are well known for causing oral health problems. It is important to eat fresh and healthy foods on a daily basis, and to try and avoid consuming anything that is high in sugar. Always check the label for the exact amounts of sugar, and make sure you moderate your sugar intake. Some of the worst foods include lollipops and caramel, both of which can be particularly damaging to your teeth and can cause cavities amongst other problems.

Similarly, there is often an extremely large amount of sugar inside many of our favourite drinks. Ensure that any juice you buy is 100% from fruit and without any added sugar or preservatives. When it comes to the sugary drinks, try to drink these very infrequently and reserve them for special occasions.

5. Ignore your dental problems or worries

This is probably one of the most important tips that we can give you. You only have one set of adult teeth and getting replacements in the future can be expensive. It’s important that we all treat our oral health very seriously. Small problems can easily turn into big problems when left too long, so make sure you are having regular check-ups to ensure that your mouth is healthy.

With certain dental problems, you may not think they are that severe, or you may be under the impression that you can just work through the pain. But you never know whether the issue you have noticed may be part of a larger, more serious dental difficulty. By putting off a dental check-up and not responding quickly enough, these issues can result in more extreme dental complications.

If you're suffering from crooked teeth or an unhealthy bite, we can help. At Specialist Orthodontist Harley Street, we provide orthodontic treatment that can straighten your teeth and provide you with your ideal smile. Contact us today to find out how we can help.