How to look after your teeth?

Whats the first thing you notice when someone smiles? Their teeth! We all know we need to brush our teeth regularly and look after them. I have always been conscious of my teeth especially as I had to wear braces for four years when I was a teenager. I like using whitening toothpastes to help keep my teeth whiter.

Interestingly enough Oral B surveyed over a thousand Australians and asked them to compare two photos of the same woman – one showing clean, healthy-looking teeth, and the other with yellow, stained teeth.

They were then asked to make assumptions on the age and salary of the woman based on each photo.
More than half of those surveyed assumed that the woman with the whiter smile was under 30 years old and earning more than the woman with discoloured, plaque-stained teeth, who was perceived as being older than 30 years old and earning less in salary. Interesting!

I got the opportunity to ask Dentist Stephen Blatchford a few questions:

How do we look after our teeth?

Brush for two minutes, twice a day and remember to floss! A common mistake is when people think they have a great dental routine, but are only brushing for 30 seconds. It’s really important to ensure you brush thoroughly, gently and for two minutes. Using a power toothbrush such as the Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide, which comes with a wireless display that provides feedback while you brush, will help improve brushing habits. To reduce bacteria and bad breath, use a mouth rinse such as the Oral-B Tooth and Gum Care Rinse. Other tips include, eating well and avoiding (or limiting) foods and drinks that can cause tooth decay, erosion and discolouring. Also make sure you drink plenty of water.

Can certain foods affect the teeth?

Foods that cause erosion, decay and discolouration are those high in sugars and acid such as fruit juice, wine, carbonated spirits, drinks, tea, and coffee. Refined food and drink with added sugars such as cakes, biscuits, sweets and soft drinks will contribute to plaque build-up and should be consumed in moderation. Citrus fruits like grapefruits and lemons have a high acid content and should also be limited or avoided as they may lead to erosion. Limiting or avoiding these foods and drinks will assist in ensuring that a healthy smile is maintained.

Braces can stain teeth. What’s the best way to maintain teeth after braces?

A proper brushing technique will assist in removing plaque and stain build-up. Using the Triumph toothbrush with a Pro-Bright brush head is recommended as it has a special polishing cup, designed to remove surface stains. It’s important to continue to brush twice a day, floss and rinse. If you feel that your teeth are still stained, a thorough clean by a dentist may be required. Your dentist can also recommend tooth whitening procedures.

How often do we need to visit our dentist?
It is recommended that you visit the dentist at least twice a year. Regular visits are important as they allow dentists to detect problems when they are smaller and easier to fix, and will also allow them to give you advice on preventing any future problems that may arise. It is also important to make sure you are taking good care of your teeth and gums in the mean time by brushing twice a day, flossing and using a mouth rinse to minimise any problems between dental visits.

Have you tried any whitening products to help keep your teeth white?