February is Dental Health Month, so it’s the perfect time to talk about keeping teeth in check! When it comes to your daily hygiene routine, looking after your smile should be top of the list. Letting your brushing and flossing slide can lead to tooth decay and disease, but alongside visiting your dentist regularly, knowing how to keep your teeth and gums healthy at home is the best way to prevent long-lasting issues and high dental bills.
We’ve put together a refresher guide on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy on a budget, including our favourite dental care products.
See our full range of Dental Care products - available to buy in store
How to keep your teeth healthy
Achieving a brighter smile all starts with ensuring you are taking steps to keep your teeth plaque free, and your gums nice and healthy.
1. Visit a dentist regularly
When it comes to ongoing dental care, nothing beats regular visits to your dentist. They will advise you on areas of dental hygiene that you need to pay more attention to, as well as prescribing a treatment plan to handle any issues with your teeth, gums, or general oral hygiene such as gum disease and cavities.
How often you will need to see your dentist depends on your lifestyle and any pre-existing conditions you might have. Many people, especially children, are advised to see their dentist twice a year (or, every 6 months) – but this can be reduced to once every year or once every two years if they determine that you are at a lower risk of developing oral health issues.
As you get older, treatments will become more comprehensive, and your dentist will likely advise that you book a hygienist appointment alongside your general check-ups to ‘deep clean’ your teeth.
2. Brush your teeth two times a day
Teeth brushing is one of the most basic dental care tips, but it is one that can often be overlooked, especially as people grow older. It is vital to brush your teeth twice a day to remove any food, bacteria, and plaque build-up from your teeth. Neglecting to brush your teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
You should brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, two times a day. Generally, it is recommended to brush your teeth before you eat breakfast and after you’ve eaten dinner. Try to avoid brushing your teeth directly after you’ve eaten, leaving at least an hour between finishing a meal and picking up your toothbrush.
3. Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride
Mouth wash that has fluoride in it is great to include in your daily dental routine. Many people make the mistake of using mouthwash straight after brushing their teeth – but did you know that you should never rinse your mouth out directly after using toothpaste, even if it is with mouth wash?
We love the Dentyl range of mouthwash. It’s alcohol free, and we stock it in a variety of flavours for an enjoyable, fresh taste and feeling.
- Dentyl Mint 500ml
- Dentyl Mint and Strawberry 500ml
- Dentyl Mint and Lemon 500ml
4. Don’t forget to floss!
Flossing and the use of interdental brushes are some of the best ways to clean your gums and in-between your teeth. Flossing regularly removes plaque bacteria, which if left unchecked, can start to erode the enamel (the protective layer) of your teeth. This can lead to gum disease, soreness, gingivitis, and other dental issues.
Try our mint flavoured Max Guard Dental Floss
If you struggle with flossing or are just starting to floss, floss picks might work better for you as they are easier to manage.
Try our Max Guard Dental Floss Picks
If you are unsure how often you should be flossing, or whether you are flossing correctly, you should speak to your dentist. Visit the NHS website for advice on how to floss.
Other tips for a healthy mouth
As well as the main tips we have mentioned above, there are lifestyle changes you can make to keep your teeth healthy and your gums happy.
- Avoid drinks and food that are high in sugar
- Try not to drink acidic liquids which can wear away your enamel
- Clean any complete or partial dentures with a denture bath
- Avoid smoking and limit your alcohol intake
Make Daily Dental Care Easy
Now we’ve refreshed your knowledge on how to keep your teeth healthy, pop to your local Poundstretcher (use our store finder to locate your closest) to pick up new products. Pick up all the products you need at the same time by grabbing a Dental Care Kit or Oral Care Kit for a bargain price.
If you are experiencing any issues with your dental hygiene, please seek professional advice from your dentist or healthcare provider.