Win a five-night hotel stay at Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa in Saint Lucia
Home / Health & Wellbeing

The best oral hygiene tips from the UK’s leading dentists

From brushing correctly to making sure you address any issues quickly, here’s how you can step up your dental hygiene game.

By LLM Reporters   |  

A pearly white smile has long been a symbol of beauty. Over the years, these smiles have become even brighter, whiter, and more perfect. Today, it’s not just teenagers wearing braces for straighter teeth; dental procedures are increasingly popular among individuals in their thirties and forties. The once-coveted jagged smile has been replaced by a preference for precisely aligned and symmetrical teeth, with bonding and whitening treatments in high demand.

While cosmetic procedures can enhance our smiles, we can also make the most of our natural assets through proper dental hygiene. To provide you with the best tips, we’ve consulted leading dental experts. 

Award-winning practice Fresh Smiles, a dentist in York, emphasise the importance of regular check-ups, proper brushing techniques, and a balanced diet in maintaining optimal oral health and appearance. By adopting these practices, we can keep our teeth healthy and beautiful without relying solely on cosmetic interventions. 

Brush at least twice a day!

BRUSHING TEETH
Maintaining a healthy, luxurious smile starts with the basics; brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Image credit: dolgachov/Bigstock.com

Maintaining a healthy, luxurious smile starts with the basics; brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Neglecting this simple practice allows bacteria to feed on food particles, producing harmful acids that eventually turn into plaque. Over time, this leads to tartar buildup, requiring professional dental intervention for removal.

Alongside brushing, mastering flossing techniques is equally important in achieving a plaque-free smile. Flossing once daily removes stubborn food particles and plaque between teeth that regular brushing alone can’t reach. Dedicate two minutes to this process, using circular motions as you brush, ensuring you cover the entire tooth’s surface – use a fluoride toothpaste for optimal results.

As emphasised by Finsbury Dental Care, a dentist in London, that’s been going for over 25 years, practicing diligent oral hygiene is key to preventing severe dental issues and preserving your natural teeth for as long as possible. So, make sure you stick to these essential habits to maintain a healthy and radiant smile.

Prevention, not cure!

Protein foods for diet and proper nutrition
To minimise staining, select lighter-coloured foods like chicken, rice, and fish, and consume clear or white fluids such as water and milk

Ensuring you see your dentist and hygienist every six months is vital for maintaining good oral care and hygiene – and for those of you wanting to keep your teeth on the right side of white, there are various factors to consider. Whilst genetics do play a part, daily habits, such as smoking and consuming dark-coloured foods and drinks like black tea, black coffee, and red wine, can cause stains. Over time, tooth enamel can wear away, revealing the darker layer beneath. 

To minimise staining, select lighter-coloured foods like chicken, rice, and fish, and consume clear or white fluids such as water and milk. By using a straw for beverages like smoothies and iced coffees, you can reduce contact with your teeth, minimising the potential for staining. If you’re truly committed to achieving your most dazzling smile, consult with Gavin is My Dentist, a leading dentist in Warrington, to explore the variety of whitening treatments available. Gavin and his team of experts can provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs and preferences, painless and easy, they can help you get the best possible results for a brighter, more confident smile.

Address dental issues promptly

dental checks
If you notice any signs of movement in your teeth, such as changes in bite or discomfort, consult your dentist. Image credit: robertprzybysz/Bigstock.com

If you notice any signs of movement in your teeth, such as changes in bite or discomfort, consult your dentist. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming more significant. To help your own natural teeth alignment it helps to stay consistent. The earlier diligent oral hygiene routines we mentioned, brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing regularly to combat plaque buildup and gum disease will help. 

Nourishing your teeth, gums and body with a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamins found in foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts will support both your teeth and gums. It’s may seem obvious, but avoiding excessive sugar and acidic foods can also really protect your teeth from damage.

Sometimes, our teeth might need a little extra help to achieve that perfect alignment. Luckily, there are advanced treatments like fixed braces and Invisalign that can transform a smile. Traditional fixed braces use metal or ceramic brackets and wires for a comprehensive approach, while Invisalign’s clear, removable aligners offer a more discreet alternative. It’s amazing how far dental technology has come, giving us more options than ever for a confident, radiant smile.