If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then the smile is the front door – so it makes perfect sense that you’d want to keep yours looking healthy, shiny and welcoming, right?

Well, although oral hygiene should just be a part of our everyday routine, the truth is that in 9 out of 10 cases, there’s something we could be doing more of to ensure a healthy smile. Whether that’s brushing more regularly, more thoroughly or attending the dentist more, and today – we’re sharing with you our most effective top tips for ensuring you do the very most for your smile.

Ready to take your smile to the next level? Read on to find out how. . .

1. Share a smile – not a toothbrush
Does the idea of sharing your toothbrush with a loved one turn your stomach? Well, perhaps you’d be surprised to hear that around 15% of adults in the UK admitted to sharing a toothbrush with another person.

It goes without saying that this is a strict no-no for oral health!
Sharing a toothbrush is the quickest way of exposing you to a myriad of risks – even if it’s with someone you love! Do your gums bleed when you brush? Do theirs? If so, you could be unknowingly spreading diseases that are easily transmitted by blood!

As well as the real dangers, it is also incredibly unhygienic. So, if this is something you’ve been known to do – perhaps it’s time to invest in a new toothbrush each and stick with your own from now on.

2. Take your hygiene to the next level
Brushing your teeth twice a day is a great way to maintain a healthy smile, but in most cases brushing alone isn’t enough to keep stubborn stains, harmful plaque and bad breath at bay.

Whether you’re new to flossing and mouthwash or have dabbled in doing these extra steps when you remember, there’s simply no denying the benefits they can have. Flossing reaches places your toothbrush simply can’t, and there are a host of mouthwash products to target different issues – helping your oral hygiene to be at an all-time high.

3. Attend your dental practice every 6 months
A surprising amount of people will miss routine check-ups with their dentist if there are no issues present, which can often lead to things being missed when they’re in their earliest and most treatable stages.

One way to help your mouth stay healthy, and to avoid any invasive or unpleasant issues later down the line is to visit your Dentist in Reading and hygienist when you should. And, if you can’t make your appointment – make sure to reschedule!

4. Brush your teeth for the correct length of time
In a rush in the morning? Too tired in the evening? For many, brushing their teeth twice a day feels like enough to prevent oral health issues from arising – but the truth is that if you’re spending just a few seconds at the sink morning and night, you’re unlikely to be doing a proper job.

Dentists advise you to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes to ensure you work each area adequately, helping to dislodge food, clean deeply and leave your mouth clean and fresh. So, if you’re racing through your routine, be sure to take a breath and take your time. If you’re struggling – it can help to play a song whilst you do it so you can keep an eye on how long you’re brushing for.

5. Be mindful of your diet
If you eat loads of high sugared foods – eventually it’s going to impact the quality of your teeth. Likewise, eating the wrong types of food at certain times of the day can have a similar negative impact, so it’s always a good idea to be mindful of what you’re putting in your mouth.

Whole foods such as fruit, vegetable, wholegrains and cheese can help your teeth and gums stay healthy. Try to avoid too many processed, high sugar foods and be mindful of drinking more water, and less fizzy drinks!

Is your smile in need of professional help? Contact a dentist in Essex today!

Of course, wherever possible it is best to keep up with a good oral hygiene routine to avoid needing intervention, but in many cases, there’s not much that can be done at home.

If you have severe bleeding gums, tooth loss or receding gums then you may suffer from advanced gum disease, in which case the support and specialist support from a periodontal dentist will be necessary.

Al-Fa Perio is a leading dentist in Essex, specialising in the innovative treatment of gum disease, and offering a huge range of options for patients who are struggling to find confidence in their smile. So, if this is you – why not get in touch with their friendly and professional team today? With years of experience and finance options available – we’re confident that if anyone can help, it’s them!

Dentist in London help to maintain a winning smile.