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.
How to take care of your teeth
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.
How to keep your gums healthy
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.
What foods are bad for your teeth?
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.
What foods are good for your 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.
