Avoid staining and plaque build-up this party season with Dr David Dunn’s tips…
There are three key factors that affect the health and appearance of our teeth: our oral health routine, diet and lifestyle choices. A good rule to follow is to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. However, some groups might need to increase that number up to three times a day (e.g. those with orthodontic fixed banding or braces). In addition to brushing, flossing is also an essential component of good oral health care. A significant proportion of the tooth surface is unreachable by brushing alone. Flossing at least once a day is therefore absolutely necessary. Areas of plaque form in between your teeth and below the gumline and even the best toothbrushes can’t reach them. The plaque or bacterial deposits in these areas can lead to tooth decay and cavities, alongside contributing to gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Reviewing your diet and lifestyle will also help you avoid staining and plaque build-up during the party season. There are certain stain-causing foods and drinks, which when regularly consumed can stain the enamel and cause discolouration of your teeth over time. To maintain a whiter smile for longer, avoiding too much coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and foods such as curries and tomato sauce, will help protect against staining.
If you are a smoker, even if you consider yourself only a social smoker – give up the cigarettes. The effects of nicotine on your teeth are noticeable and are ageing your smile. Nicotine stains your teeth enamel, causing it to yellow prematurely. By avoiding cigarettes, not only will the yellow staining resolve, but your general oral health will also improve. If you have discolouration or staining that won’t budge, teeth whitening is also a great option. The Philips In-Chair Zoom teeth whitening system is the most effective treatment available and can whiten the existing colour of your teeth by up to 8 shades. It is suitable for almost everyone and results are achieved in just one hour.
Top tips on maintaining a healthy smile
The top tips for maintaining a healthy smile is firstly ensuring regular visits to your dental care provider. Having a professional clean and examination at the dentist at least every 6 months will remove most superficial stains on your teeth, and leave your smile brighter looking and healthier. Following this, home care is extremely important, and it is best to equip yourself with the appropriate tools for your individual situation. Using a sonic electric toothbrush is a great way to improve the efficiency of your brushing technique. Electric toothbrushes are clinically proven to remove more plaque than manual brushing, which lead to cleaner, healthier and brighter looking teeth. I recommend using the Philips Sonicare range in combination with flossing, for superior plaque removal, that is least damaging to the teeth and gums. Finally, be sure to consider lifestyle and diet habits that may be damaging your dental health.
Worst food and drink for your teeth – those to limit this party season
Regular consumption of food and beverages that are high in sugar cause the most damage to your teeth. Sugary foods that are high in carbohydrates will lead to decay, whilst many sports and energy drinks are highly acidic, leading to erosion of the enamel. When sugar is consumed it interacts with the bacteria that naturally occurs within the mouth. The bacteria feed on the sugar to produce acids that attack the tooth’s enamel, if teeth are not regularly cleaned these acids create holes or cavities in the tooth. The first step to limiting your sugar intake is to start reading labels and make yourself aware of the sugar content. Consciously limit or avoid drinks and foods that are high in sugar. If you do indulge in a sugary treat, soft drink or sports drink, make sure you clean your teeth soon afterwards, or rinse your mouth out with water to remove any sugar that can adhere to the surface of your teeth. Saliva and fluoride both contain minerals that help repair weakened enamel however they will only do so much to counter the effects of sugar on your teeth. When choosing drinks, be sure to consume fluoridated tap water and plain milk instead of soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, juice or cordial that are high in sugar and acidity. Also try cutting down the sugar added to cups of tea and coffee.
Written by Dr Dunn, Philips Sonicare Ambassador and Principle Dentist at Macquarie Street Centre.
