Health Teeth and gums
5 40 All About health
ways to keep your smile healthy
Dentist Dr Yasmin Shakarchy of NHS practice Dental Perfection in Derby reveals essential tips to give your oral health a boost
Most people know the importance of brushing twice a day, regular flossing and how sugary foods can affect your oral health. But what else can you do to keep your smile healthy? Here are five things you may not know about looking after your teeth…
1. Spit, don’t rinse Most toothpastes contain fluoride, which acts as protection for your teeth. When you rinse after brushing, you wash away that protection. But if you just spit out the toothpaste, the fluoride remains as a layer over your teeth, strengthening them against sugary and acidic food.
2. Wait before you brush After you eat or drink something acidic the pH in your mouth lowers, which can soften the enamel coating of your teeth. If you brush immediately after eating, you can make the erosion worse and lose tiny particles of enamel. It’s very important to wait at least 30 minutes before brushing after having acidic food or drinks, as this lets the pH level in your mouth return to normal.
3. Electric is better than
manual You can brush your teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush, but an electric toothbrush does a better job.
This is especially important in older people with limited manual dexterity, or those with conditions that make brushing difficult. Electric toothbrushes vibrate and rotate, which removes plaque more effectively than manual brushing.
4. Limit sugary snacks to
straight after mealtimes Snacking frequently puts your teeth under constant attack. When nibbling on chocolates and biscuits throughout the day, each time you expose your teeth to acid attacks that can last up to 30 minutes. Try to eat three main meals a day, and limit eating sugary foods to meal times. Avoid sugary snacks between meals.
5. Use mouthwash at
different times Most people tend to brush their teeth and finish by using a mouthwash. But the toothpaste has already provided a ‘hit’ of fluoride protection for your teeth, so using mouthwash after brushing serves no real added benefit. Instead, use mouthwash after eating lunch or in the middle of the day without brushing your teeth. This helps remove the plaque that has built up and also gives you another ‘hit’ of fluoride.
Christmas tooth tips
Your teeth are under attack more than usual during the festive season. Here are Dr Shakarchy’s pointers to keep your smile healthy right through to New Year…
Go sugar free When looking for a few Christmas treats, try looking for low-sugar versions of your favourite snacks.
Use a bottle opener It's not worth breaking your teeth by opening bottles with your mouth.
Finish with cheese We all love a Christmas cheeseboard, and so do our teeth. Cheese neutralises the acids in your mouth after eating, reducing tooth decay and making it a perfect end to a meal.
Don’t skip your oral hygiene Christmas can be hectic but don’t forget to brush twice a day, especially before bed (this helps reduce the chance of tooth decay).
For everything you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy this winter, visit your local Careway pharmacy. Find your nearest pharmacy at
www.careway.co.uk/find-a-pharmacy.
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