National Smile Month takes place between 13th May and 13th June 2019 and is a UK-wide awareness campaign that promotes improved oral health.
In support of the campaign, here we look at some of the key ways that we can improve how we care for our teeth and gums, promoting a healthier smile.
Improve your routine
We all understand that maintaining a good level of oral hygiene is important for our teeth and gums, so what can we do to improve? A good start is to brush our teeth thoroughly a minimum of twice a day, especially after meals, and also make sure to use interdental floss and mouth wash.
Drink plenty of water
A key cause of plaque build-up is the food debris and residue that collects in the teeth and at the gumline. Preventing this can be difficult through brushing alone, so drinking plenty of water can be an essential method of washing away food particles and rinsing out the mouth.
Make dietary changes
There are a number of foods that we can limit in order to protect our teeth. Sugary products such as sweets and sodas promote the build up of plaque bacteria, whilst sticky and crunchy foods such as dried fruit or crisps can become stuck to the teeth and very difficult to remove through brushing.
Beat the bad habits
Smoking and drinking alcohol is bad for our oral health, so cutting down or quitting is always advisable. Other popular vices such as tea, coffee and sugary drinks can also cause discolouration of the tooth enamel and the build-up of plague, so beating the habit can make a significant difference.
Book an appointment
However long it has been since your last check-up, organising an appointment at the dentist is an important first step for improved oral health. Your visit may take less than 30 minutes, but in that time your dentist will perform a routine clean and make important checks of your teeth and gums, offering important advice on your oral health routine and identifying any potential issues.
Get in touch
Dentalia is a dental practice based in Basingstoke offering a wide range of high-quality services for our patients including preventative dentistry and hygienist services.
If you would like to book a free teeth straightening consultation with our friendly and experienced team, please get in touch today by calling 01256 3532033.
