Your 5-step plan for pearly white teeth

Nothing radiates positivity, happiness and confidence more than a big smile. And having one you’re proud to show off is easy maths: we all know that strong, healthy teeth = a brilliant grin. Here’s how to keep yours gleaming.

1. ‘Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time,’ says dentist Dr Amit Rai. Use a fluoride toothpaste, and remember to supervise children’s brushing if they’re under seven years of age. Compared to adult tooth enamel, the enamel on children’s teeth is 50 per cent thinner, so make sure you spend enough time with your little ones ensure they are thoroughly cleaning their teeth. Brush before breakfast so your teeth are protected from the get-go. Brushing afterwards pushes sugar further into the teeth. It’s counter-intuitive, but makes perfect sense really!
2. Skip the rinse. Really? ‘Avoid rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing, because this washes the protective toothpaste away – just spit out any excess toothpaste,’ says Dr Rai.’ Use mouthwash at a different time to brushing so you get full protective benefits of both (and stay minty-fresh) all day.’ Who knew?
3. Try to eat your sweet treats around mealtimes. Nibbling throughout the day exposures your gnashers to sugar for extended periods. Step away from the yoghurt-coated raisins (and Dairy Milk), people.
4. Make cheese your friend.  ‘Eat a small piece of cheese after every meal,’ says Dr Rai. ‘It will help to neutralise the acids that causes tooth decay.’
5. Look for a toothpaste that protects against sugar acid. ‘Sugar is used by bacteria in the mouth which produce acids, which can dissolve the protective minerals on the surface of the tooth. In time, the sugar acid can dissolve mineral from the tooth, leading to cavities.’

What top tips do you have to keep your whites pearly? Share them with us on Twitter (@healthymag), Facebook or Instagram (healthymagdaily).

Thanks to aquafresh.co.uk