How to keep your teeth healthy

Maintaining a sparkling smile is a good enough reason to look after your teeth and gums. 

Keeping your teeth healthy isn't difficult, but it takes some commitment.

The golden rule is simple: brush your teeth twice a day. You should brush for at least 2 minutes each time and use fluoride toothpaste.

You should also have regular dental check-ups every 6-12 months to spot problems early, when they're easiest to treat.

Some adults in the UK delay dental treatment because of the cost, but this doesn't need to be an issue with our private health insurance, which covers routine dental treatment up to £250 (with a £50 excess).

Keeping your gums healthy means using the right products. To protect your teeth and your gums, you should be using a toothbrush and toothpaste, flossing and using mouthwash daily. If you're not sure of the right technique, you can simply ask your dentist to show you at your next routine appointment.

You can also cut your risk of gum disease by quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet.

There are certain foods you should limit to look after your teeth. These include acidic foods like citrus fruits, carbonated drinks and foods that are high in sugar, particularly if they're sticky, as the longer they're in contact with your teeth, the more harm they can do. You should also be careful eating hard or crunchy foods, which can damage teeth.

Calcium is essential for healthy teeth and is found in milk and other dairy products, as well as in leafy green vegetables. Fibrous foods like apples, carrots and celery can help to keep gums healthy, as they create a scrubbing action as you chew. Plus they increase saliva production, which helps to rinse away bacteria. 

Drinking plenty of water also protects your teeth, by washing off sugar and acid.

If you have health insurance with us, you can enhance your cover with dental and optical cover, to help look after your teeth and protect your eyesight.