Celebrity dentist Dr Uchenna Okoye puts together her MOT oral fitness regime to help keep your teeth in great shape.
"Not everyone will have pennies to invest in my lovely Lava crowns, Cosmetic Dentures or even simply whitening, so here are my top tips to help keep your teeth in good shape."
The "F" Word
Floss! Floss! Floss! Only floss the teeth you want to keep! We all know that it's important but many of us still don't do it. Flossing is the best way to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth and keep your mouth clean. It is also one of the best ways of preventing bad breath - if you don't believe this, just smell the floss after it has been used! If you’re a beginner start with Dental tape as it is often easier to use than floss.
Mouth Fitness Programme
Ask your dentist to create a custom plan for YOU. I recommend 6 monthly visits to see the dentist and 3 monthly visits to see the hygienist but this should be tailored to your individual needs. I have some patients who see the hygienist every month as they are more prone to disease than others. Your dentist may prescribe additional preventive aids such as a splint to wear at night if you grind your teeth. This will help prevent damage such as cracks to your teeth in later years. Prevention is always much better than cure.
Switch to Power Brushing
Invest in an electric toothbrush. I use the analogy of using the washing machine to clean clothes versus washing them by hand. Both will get your clothes clean, but the machine does it so much better and faster. Studies have shown that you remove twice as much plaque when you use an electrical toothbrush compared to a manual one.
Quit Smoking
Tobacco produces toxins that damage your mouth tissue and also kills the good cells in your mouth that fight disease. Most people in the UK lose their teeth because of gum disease and smoking is directly linked to this.
Recharge with Fluoride
Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to attack by plaque bacteria. You must apply it daily on the tooth surface to have maximum effect. This is easily done if you use a fluoride toothpaste and rinse daily with a Fluoride mouthwash.
Whitening
Discoloured teeth can be ageing and simple whitening can take a minimum of 5 years off your age! The colour of your teeth should match the whites of your eyes, but the key is not to go too white as this can look false - the new look is natural!
Visit www.londonsmiling.com/ for further tips from Dr Uchenna Okoye on how to make the most of your smile.
