Keep your teeth in tip top condition this new year

If you’ve been indulging in a few festive treats over the holidays, eating and drinking rich and sugary delights then it can take a toll on your teeth, as well as your waistline.

It’s likely that over the Christmas and New Year season you will have had an increased intake of sugar, whether that is through alcohol or sweet foods and desserts so it’s really important to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. The main problem is not the amount of sugar but how long it sits around in your mouth.

Some of the worst offenders are sticky caramel and toffee which can work their way into the small grooves of your teeth. Sour sweets can also cause problems as they have a high acidity. Hard boiled sweets that you suck can also cause problems with tooth enamel.

Now we’re into the new year, look after your teeth by refreshing your brushing technique and including more crunchy fresh vegetables in your diet. Here’s our recommendation for getting back on top of your teeth:

1. Add in an extra brush
   

   We recommend in normal times brushing twice a day with a floss in between. However, adding in an extra brush to maintain a healthy mouth and gums is a great idea to get you back on track

2. Use a good fluoride toothpaste
   

   All you need is a pea-sized amount of good fluoride toothpaste. Adults should use a toothpaste that contains at least 1,450 parts per million (ppm) fluoride. At night time, try not to rinse after brushing to leave a reservoir of fluoride which will help to remineralise tooth enamel and prevent cavities. During the day, after meals, use an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash to keep your enamel strong.

3. 45 degrees

   Place the head of your toothbrush against your lower teeth, and then tilt the bristles to a 45 degree angle against the gum line. Try and keep angle throughout the brush which gives better leverage to remove plaque and germs.

4. Small circular movements

   Move the brush in small circular movements several times over the surfaces of every tooth. Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth first, and then go in and do the occlusal surface (inside) in nice circular motions all the way around. Move up to the upper set of teeth and repeat the small circular movements on the outside teeth first keeping the bristles angled against the gum line. To clean inside the surfaces of the front teeth tip the toothbrush vertically and make several small strokes up and down with the front part of the brush.

5. Brush your tongue
   

   The tongue carries both good and bad bacteria but its close proximity to the back of your throat means that it can potentially harbour viruses present in that area. Brushing your tongue helps to freshen breath and clean your mouth of any bacteria. Stick your tongue out and make several long strokes across your tongue to give it a good clean.

Click here to find our more about how to maintain healthy teeth at home.