As lockdown restrictions ease in the UK, people are starting to get back to normal with their daily routines. One routine which may have fallen by the wayside during lockdown is your oral health regime. Research by the Oral Health Foundation revealed that one in three adults in the UK have increased the amount of times they snack during lockdown, with 61% of under 35’s admitting to eating more in between meals. Whilst it is understandable that healthy eating and oral health suffered as people were forced to stay at home and cope with the pressures of home working and homeschooling, now is the time to get your oral health back on track.
Our dentists have some top tips for you, to help you get back on top of your oral health regime.
Brush twice a day
It goes without saying that this is the most important item on your oral health checklist. Use a fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth once before you go to bed and one other time during the day. We recommend that you brush your teeth for around two minutes as this will help to ensure you cover all the surfaces of all teeth. Electric toothbrushes are great for this as most have an inbuilt timer and will let you know when you have reached the 2 minute mark.
Use the right dental care products
Our dentists will be able to advise you on the best dental care products to use to help you keep your mouth healthy. This might include dental floss, dental tape or interdental brushes. We can also advise on the right type of toothpaste, for example if you have sensitive teeth.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks in between meals
When we eat or drink, plaque bacteria builds up in the mouth, producing acids which attack the teeth. Normally your mouth can create saliva to neutralise these acids, but if you are snacking constantly between meals, the mouth doesn’t have a chance to recover and your teeth are left vulnerable to attack. Your teeth will therefore thank you for limiting the amount of snacks and sugary drinks you consume between meals.
Chew sugar free chewing gum
If you are missing having something in between your meals, then why not try chewing sugar free gum? Not only does it take your mind off eating but it encourages your mouth to produce saliva, which neutralises the acid that would otherwise attack your teeth.
Quit smoking
Smoking not only stains your teeth and causes bad breath but it can also increase your risk of developing gum disease or oral cancer. If you are thinking about quitting then now is the perfect time as you can get your oral health back on track at the same time. Stopping smoking will reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth loss and mouth cancer, plus your breath will smell fresher and your sense of taste and smell will improve.
Read more on why you should quit smoking to improve your oral health.
Contact your dentist if you have a dental problem
It is really important that if you have a problem with your teeth, gums or mouth that you contact us as soon as possible. We are ready to take on emergency appointments and are always at the end of the phone for general oral health advice. If you are experiencing dental problems or pain please do call the Dentalia team on 01256 353 033 or click here to contact us, we are here to help.
