5 myths you might believe about your teeth
We all know the basics of looking after our oral health and hygiene, such as regular brushing, and trying to […]
Read MoreA healthy smile can make a huge difference to your life – ensuring you stay happy, healthy, and more confident in yourself. For that reason alone, it’s crucial to ensure you’re always looking after it! You already know the basics (such as brushing your teeth twice a day), but there are plenty of active and passive actions you can take as well, to give you complete peace of mind in a healthy smile. As experts in the very best dental treatments here at AP Smilecare, we’ve got a couple of ideas for you to consider!
Good oral hygiene goes beyond just brushing your teeth. It involves a comprehensive routine that includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove plaque and debris from between teeth, and using mouthwash to rinse away bacteria. Proper oral hygiene prevents the buildup of plaque, which if left untreated can lead to tooth decay and gum disease – both of which are known as the leading causes of tooth loss.
Your diet and lifestyle choices play a significant role in your oral health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides essential nutrients that strengthen your teeth and gums. Calcium-rich foods like dairy products and leafy greens promote strong tooth enamel, while crunchy fruits and vegetables help clean teeth naturally. Plus, limiting sugary snacks and beverages reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Avoiding tobacco products and excessive alcohol consumption is also crucial for maintaining oral health – even if it’s not the easiest thing to hear if you’re a long-time smoker. Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer, while alcohol can contribute to dry mouth and enamel erosion. Tobacco is arguably more of a risk than alcohol – most people drink the latter in moderation, but even relatively short-term tobacco usage can quickly start to have a noticeable impact on your teeth. So if you ever needed one more reason to motivate you to quit…
Speaking of smoking, there are certain other bad habits that can increase the risk of tooth loss and other dental problems – and some of them may not be quite so obvious right off the bat. Teeth grinding (bruxism), for example, can wear down tooth enamel and lead to fractures or tooth loss over time. Using teeth as tools to open packages or bite nails can also cause damage. Similarly, chewing on hard objects like ice cubes or pens can chip or crack teeth. They’re all quite small things, but if you find yourself doing any of them regularly, you might be surprised at how much of a risk they can ultimately be to your teeth. And nobody wants to find that out the hard way!
Quite simply, not enough UK adults go to the dentist nearly as often as they should. One government study from 2021 found that less than half attended checkups once every six months (the officially recommended interval). Only just over a quarter of respondents said they even went once a year.
So, if you suspect (or know) that you should be going more often, then there are plenty of good reasons to motivate you. Regular dental check-ups are vital for detecting and addressing oral health issues before they escalate, providing a vital opportunity for dentists to spot signs of decay, gum disease, and other problems. Professional cleanings can also remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can contribute to tooth loss if left untreated. Your dentist may also recommend preventive treatments such as fluoride applications or dental sealants to strengthen and protect your teeth.
And if you’re ever in need of a checkup, that’s exactly where our team can help here at AP Smilecare! We have decades of experience and an unrivalled passion for helping our patients, so you can always count on us to help you identify the very best ways to protect your smile. If you want to make an enquiry about our general services, you can do so one our general dentistry page. Alternatively, feel free to give us a call on 01254 297000, and one of our team will always be happy to help.