From first teeth to teens & adults, we’re here to talk you through how you can help keep your teeth & gums in mint condition
This article is sponsored by Listerine
Regular trips to the dentist are important for keeping a close eye on the health of your teeth and gums, but there are also things you can do at home to help keep your oral health in tip top condition.
A good dental routine is important at any age. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste can help reduce plaque and strengthen teeth. The best time to brush your teeth is just before you go to bed, and one other time during the day (such as first thing in the morning).
Adding flossing to your dental routine helps clean between the teeth, which equals a cleaner mouth overall.. You can choose from electric flossers, floss picks or dental tape, whichever works for you. Finish with a mouthwash to help keep breath fresh!
First teeth: Top dental tips for babies & young children
Getting little ones to brush their teeth can be a bit of a mission, but there are some things you can do to help get them used to it and make it more fun.
Getting into a routine early is a good idea. If they’re used to the idea of brushing their teeth as part of their bedtime routine from an early age, it’ll make life easier in the long run. Even before their first tiny teeth appear, you could let them watch you brush your teeth, or even hand them their own soft bristled toothbrush so they can join in and get used to the sensation.
If you’re struggling to get them to brush their teeth for the full two minutes once their teeth do appear, try making it into a game or playing a song to make brushing more fun
Teen teeth: Oral hygiene for older kids
If your teen has a sweet tooth, try encouraging them to drink fizzy drinks through a straw to avoid contact with the front teeth, and limiting sugary food and drinks to mealtimes. Chewing sugar-free gum after mealtimes creates saliva which helps cancel out teeth-eroding acids.
Taking care of their teeth and gums will help keep your teen’s breath fresh and their smile in great condition, which will be great for their self-esteem. Encourage them to keep up with their dental routine, even when life gets busy.
Adult teeth: Keeping teeth & gums healthy
Maintaining a heathy lifestyle (you know the drill – enjoying a balanced diet, quitting smoking if you smoke and cutting back on alcohol) combined with a good dental routine and regular trips to the dentist can all help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you enjoy a cup of coffee or the occasional glass of red wine, it might be worth switching up your dental products to include whitening toothpaste or a mouthwash that helps keep your teeth naturally white.
Some pregnant women may also find their gums feel softer or more sensitive and they may notice some bleeding (sometimes known as pregnancy gingivitis). Following a full oral hygiene routine can be especially helpful for them to ensure they stay on top of their oral health.
Top dental tips for older people
Some lifestyle tweaks can be helpful as we get older, and the same goes for when it comes to looking after our teeth and gums.
Our gums tend to recede later in life, which means teeth may become more exposed and feel more sensitive. If this happens, it’s worth looking into toothpastes and mouthwashes designed especially for sensitive teeth.
If you have mobility issues in your arms and hands, an electric toothbrush can be useful as the handles are easier to grip and the toothbrush does most of the work for you. If you’re finding your eyesight isn’t what it used to be, try a magnifying mirror coupled with good lighting to help make sure you’re not missing anything.
Why is mouthwash an important part of keeping teeth & gums healthy?
The final step in your oral hygiene routine, mouthwash can help reach even the smallest spot that brushing and flossing may have missed, plus helps keep your breath fresh, reduces plaque and protects your gums. This'll give you even more to smile about!
Try: Listerine Total Care Mouthwash
• Size: 500ml
This 10-in-one all-rounder can help clean and protect your teeth and gums. Not only does it kill up to 99% of the germs left after brushing, it also helps maintain healthy gums, strengthens teeth against decay and helps prevent tartar build-up when used twice a day.
Try: Listerine Total Care Stay White Mouthwash
• Size: 500ml
Want to keep your teeth at their brightest, whitest best? Add this mighty mouthwash to your daily regime for 12-hour protection against germs. It provides gum and cavity protection, helps reduce plaque and helps prevent tartar build-up to keep teeth naturally white.
Try: Listerine Advanced Defence Gum Treatment Mouthwash
• Size: 500ml
Listerine Advanced is clinically proven to treat gum disease in as little as two weeks. This mouthwash helps create a protective shield that prevents plaque germs from attaching to the gums, allowing gums to repair and restore themselves.
Try: Listerine Advanced Nightly Reset Alcohol Free Mouthwash
• Size: 400ml
As eating and drinking exposes your teeth to sugary acids during the day, this can leave them vulnerable to cavaties during the night. Thanks to its high level of fluoride, this zero alcohol formula works while you sleep to remineralise enamel to strengthen teeth.
