9 ways to improve your oral health

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Natty Burgess, a London dental practitioner, told MailOnline: 'People think that missing one brush won't be a problem, but over time a lack of good hygiene can cause a whole host of unwanted oral health conditions.
'Not brushing at least twice a day can cause the build-up of plaque and calculus (hardened plaque), as well as tooth decay which can lead to sensitivity and cavities that require fillings.
'In a 24-hour period, we are awake for around 17 hours, equivalent to 1,020 minutes.
'You only need to spend around four minutes brushing, and a couple of extra minutes per day flossing to avoid having problems.'
Dr Burgess added: 'It's important to brush using a toothpaste as the special ingredients help to maintain healthy teeth.
'Brushing with your finger introduces new bacteria into your mouth from whatever you were touching last so will only hinder your oral hygiene.
'Toothbrushes have special soft bristles with rounded ends that help to reach tricky corners that your finger won't.'
Dr Burgess reveal’s her top tips for maintaining happy and healthy teeth:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for up to two minutes at a time
The ideal times to brush your teeth are before bedtime and at least once more during the day (first thing in the morning is recommended). If you choose to brush after a meal or drink, wait around 40 minutes before your brush as this helps to avoid rubbing off the enamel which is softened after consuming acidic foods and drinks.

2. Use floss or other interdental cleaning aids
Ask your dentist to advise you on the right aid and size for your mouth. Your toothbrush will not reach areas where the teeth contact each other, so if you don’t use interdental cleaning products, you’re not completely cleaning your mouth and this can lead to decay, inflammation of gums and many other issues. It is in the gaps between your teeth where you mainly trap food when you eat. Regular flossing especially at night is imperative in maintaining a happy and healthy mouth.

3. Use a mouthwash at least once a day, at a different time to brushing your teeth 
Mouthwash helps protect your mouth between brushing by maintaining lower levels of bacteria. Importantly though, mouthwash only compliments brushing and flossing but does not replace either. Mouthwash helps rinse out food particles from your mouth and helps deter bad breath as it is designed to leave your mouth with a fresh (normally minty) smell. For best results, no food or drink should be consumed for 30 minutes after it is used. Swill well, spit and don’t rinse.

4. Spit, don't rinse. Leaving toothpaste in your mouth helps protect your teeth
Fluoride is a mineral which helps to strengthen tooth enamel, helps increase resistance to tooth decay and can also reduce the amount of acid produced by bacteria in your mouth. Therefore try not to rinse your mouth out with water after brushing as you’ll wash away all the fluoride.

5. Use disclosing tablets to see how well you're cleaning your teeth
They will temporarily stain any plaque so you can see what areas you’re missing.

6. Use a small headed toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles and a comfortable easy-grip handle
The approach should be to slowly and carefully follow a routine ensuring that they cover all areas, making sure no food remains in the mouth, and that no tooth has been missed.

7. Prevention is key
Ask your dentist to teach you how to maintain a routine with correct oral hygiene procedures suitable for your individual needs as this is the key to long term success. Historically, people have grown up watching their parents put a toothbrush in their mouth and simply brushing around, assuming it is quick and that’s all that is needed. I regularly encourage my patients to go back to the basics and start with easy instructions on how to use a toothbrush and floss properly.

8. Make brushing part of your bedtime routine
It can help if you connect the routine of brushing to the last thing you do before sleeping. If you like to take a relaxing bath or shower before bed, connect brushing your teeth with this relaxing part of your routine. To make sure you don’t forget to brush, it’s a good idea to set at least two daily reminder alarms on your mobile.

9. Visit your dentist for regular professional cleaning and check-ups
If you notice any unexpected changes in your gums or teeth (such as bleeding, redness or sensitivity), or feel something just isn’t right in your mouth (perhaps a lump, sharp edge on a tooth or other pain), book an appointment as soon as possible before the problem becomes bigger and painful. Small issues will regularly get sorted out easily and relatively cheaply by a dentist. The longer you leave a problem, the more time, effort and cost it will take to deal with, and you may suffer unnecessarily and for no good reason in the meantime.

Source: DailyMail