Our Tips For A Healthy Smile

It’s so important to keep on top of your dental health, but it can seem difficult to do so at times–especially with such busy lives. Well, our dentists here in Nottingham are set to change all that. We want all our patients to feel that their smile is as healthy as it is happy, so in this post, we’ll share some top tips for doing just that.

1. Use an effective toothpaste

Some toothpastes on the market can be weak, so always ensure yours has a strong fluoride content.We suggest 1350-1550ppm (parts per million), though a stronger formulation might be recommended if you’re particularly susceptible to tooth decay. Children under 7 don’t necessarily need toothpaste this strong, partly because there is a risk of swallowing the fluoride (which can be harmful over time), so ask your dentist if in doubt.

2. Use a soft toothbrush

It’s a common misconception that the harder the toothbrush, the more effective on your teeth. In fact, a hard toothbrush can actually damage your teeth and gums. A soft-bristled brush can be very effective on your teeth while being kind on your gums. However, in some situations, a hard-bristled brush may be recommended (for example, if you have particularly strong staining).

3. Use tape, floss or interdental brushes

It’s so important to get in-between the teeth, because it’s here that plaque and bacteria can build up, potentially causing decay and even leading to tooth loss over time. Tape, floss and interdental brushes can all help with this, but different dentists recommend different things and what works for one patient may not be effective in another.

4. Attend check-ups

Your dentist can help with lots more than cleaning of your teeth! We can help identify problems with your smile (for instance, cavities or a damaged filling) and can even check for gum disease and mouth cancer. That’s why it’s so important to attend regular check-ups, as directed by your dentist.

5. Cut down on bad habits

Whether it’s smoking, drinking staining drinks, or eating too much sugar in your diet, there’s lots you can do to manage your oral health, simply by shaking up your lifestyle. Smoking can cause gum disease in the future, and is a risk factor for oral cancer, while staining drinks can cause your teeth to appear aged before their time. As for sugar, it’s the leading cause of dental decay.

Get advice tailored to you

For specific advice, tailored to you and your lifestyle, don’t hesitate to book in with our dentists today. We can guide you on everything from appropriate dental products, to tips for cleaning teeth, to tips for your diet and general lifestyle. Contact our Nottingham dentists today to find out more or use our online booking system.