Ok, so be honest.  How well are you looking after your teeth?  Sure, you brush twice a day, but do you use the right toothpaste, the best toothbrush, floss and do you actively avoid sugary drinks and food which are notoriously bad for your teeth?

I admit, when I am busy and stressed I don’t take care of my teeth as well as I should.  A recent visit to the dentist where they said I needed a root canal (argh!) reminded me that it’s so easy to neglect something like dental care when it should be something to prioritise – you only get one set of adult teeth, and yet we probably spend more money on our hair. 

It’s worth noting that although I am taking extra care of my teeth and gums, there are some things I can’t reverse – I have a ton of fillings from childhood (my mum was NOT strict with teeth brushing) and if I ever have enough time and money, I will definitely visit a clinic that can straighten, whiten and even replace some of my metal fillings with white ones. Dental clinics are more accessible these days and are Saving Faces for people who have felt self conscious about their teeth for years.

It’s never too late to start looking after your teeth – I have been instilling my kids with good teeth habits (more on that later!).

Having said that, most adults have something about their teeth they would like to improve, whether it’s just whitening or a complete mouth make over. If you are missing any teeth, a professional will be able to assess what treatment is suitable for you depending on your needs  – if you are based in the North West like me, Smile Clinic offers free consultations for their various treatments, such as braces, veneers, bridges and dental implants liverpool, and more!

Ok, so lets talk about my family’s dental routine!

1. Brushing with an electric toothbrush  

I am sure that most people use an electric toothbrush these days, and if you don’t – why not!?Gone are the days when these brushes cost £100 – you can pick one up for as little as £10 (although the more you pay, the more fancy functions you get).  I usually wait until Christmas when they go on special offer and pick up a new one every 2 years or so (you can change the heads so you save money in the long term).

2. Flossing with tape

I am obsessed with flossing my teeth! I have gappy teeth so it’s important to do it every day. Regular tape can be uncomfortable and cheap ones can fray between your teeth and get stuck (ouch)! I prefer waxed dental tape – tape is wider but thinner so never really gets stuck even with the smallest gaps.  It also never frays!

3. Use alcohol free mouthwash and SLS free toothpaste 

Alcohol can be drying to the mouth and I find that it irritates my gums.  I also use a SLS free toothpaste as my Dr. recommended this to deal with frequent canker sores (those painful white patches that appear in your mouth!).  Luckily, these days you can buy high street toothpastes that are SLS free (such as Sensodyne and Colgate but check the ingredients of course), but there are also some interesting tooth powder alternatives you can try.

4. Reducing sugary things!

For my kids I have the important rule of no sugary foods in the evening and fruit juices or cordials after their teeth have been brushed. I have a sweet tooth, and I minimise sugary hot drinks in the evening and snacks. I love fizzy drinks so I try not to have them when I know I won’t be able to rinse my mouth or brush for hours.

Let me know if you have any product recommendations and if you would ever consider any dental work!

*Post written in collaboration with Smile Clinic