1. Brush your teeth

Always brush your teeth twice a day, preferably in the morning and just before bed. Brush around each tooth in a circular motion, but don’t go too hard or else you could damage your teeth! When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? If it was over 3 months ago, switch it out for a new one – change your toothbrush at regular intervals.

2. Floss daily

Brushing is a great start, but to make sure you really clean your whole mouth, you need to floss daily. It’s a great way to remove plaque, prevent gum inflammation, and stop bad breath in its tracks. There’s a right way to floss, so let’s break it down.

• Pull the string down between your teeth until it goes just under the gum line.
• “Hug” the floss against each tooth and slowly move up and down a few times.

Again, just don’t go too rough.

3. Use the right toothpaste

Check your toothpaste. Does it have fluoride in it? Make sure the answer’s yes. Fluoride reduces your risk of tooth decay by strengthening your tooth enamel, so always buy fluoride toothpaste.

4. Use a mouthwash

While it’s not essential, a daily mouthwash really helps ensure you clean your whole mouth. Aim to rinse once or twice a day, ideally around the same time as you brush. You can buy alcohol-free mouthwash to avoid any burning sensations.

5. Cut back on sugar

Sugar can increase your risk of cavities, so reach for a glass of water rather than sugary drinks. If you must drink something sweet, try to drink it at mealtimes and brush your teeth afterwards. Avoid sugary, sweet foods like candy – they can stick to your teeth and cause tooth decay.

6. Avoid coffee and wine

Dark drinks like coffee and red wine stain your teeth, which affects your smile’s appearance. If you’re trying to keep your teeth white at home, stick to light-coloured drinks. That said, if you’re concerned about tooth discolouration, contact your dentist about teeth whitening services.

7. Stop smoking

The best way to keep your teeth healthy and white? Stop smoking. Here’s why.

• Smoking stains your teeth and turns them yellow.
• It coats your tongue, too, which leads to bad breath.
• Worst of all, smoking makes you more prone to gum disease and other oral conditions.

Book an oral hygiene appointment to brighten your teeth and clean your gums.

8. Protect your teeth

Don’t use your teeth to open packets, slice through tape or crack nuts. They’re not designed for this kind of pressure, so you could damage your teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. And, if you’re playing sports, always wear a mouthguard to reduce your risk of tooth loss or injury.

9. Treat problems early

When it comes to how to get healthy teeth and gums, prevention is actually better than cure. Don’t sit on your toothache, and always visit a dentist if you notice chipped or broken teeth. And if you’re worried about overlapping teeth, ask your dentist for advice – overcrowding makes it harder to clean between the teeth and increases your risk of decay. With regular and proactive oral care, you can often avoid more invasive dental procedures down the line.

The best way to keep your teeth healthy

Although there’s a lot you can do at home to protect your smile, it’s crucial you schedule regular dental checkups. Aim to visit your dentist every six months or so, and always book an appointment if you notice anything unusual in the meantime. Like we said, prevention is better than cure – save your oral health and book an appointment today!