Top Five Tips for a Toothy Grin

Seeing as August is Oral Health Awareness Month, we asked the lovely Deepa Krishnan, New Zealand Dental Association - Colgate Health Educator, for her top five tips for a toothy grin!

 

1: Don’t skip the brushing routine

Never underestimate the benefit of this simple oral care routine. Toothbrushes and toothpastes undergo constant makeovers and improvements, and nowadays more science is put in to keeping your teeth clean. Today’s toothpastes are very efficient as they have more active ingredients that help remove dental plaque, prevent tooth decay and also whiten your teeth to a certain extent. Science is also behind the tooth brush design, as many factors like the pressure, grip, and head size are considered during the manufacture.

2: Avoid smoking

Everyone knows that sugar is bad for teeth. But I know how hard it is to avoid eating what you love! If you have a ‘sweet tooth’ and find it hard to resist sweet foods, keep an eye on how often you eat them. While the key to a slimmer waistline is having smaller and regular meals, the key to good oral health is to consider how often you consume sugary foods and drinks. Avoid eating them frequently - especially in-between main meals, even if in smaller portions, as each time these foods are consumed the teeth are affected.

Unfortunately most sugary foods and drinks are considered as snacks. Be wise and choose snacks that are nutritious, non-sticky and low in sugar. Also, remember the presence of harmful acid in diet or sugar-free drinks. They may not have sugar but are equally bad as the acid in the drink dissolves the tooth enamel and makes it prone to decay.

4: Floss once a day, every day

 

A perfect smile is everyone’s dream and there is a lot more you can have done at the dentist’s surgery than just having your teeth cleaned every six months. The latest techniques and progress in dental materials have made anything possible, be it simple, immediate and painless whitening procedures, enhancing the appearance of your gums or treating tooth imperfections. Make the most of the latest available techniques and treat yourself to a perfect smile.