The defining quality that marks us out as bona fide Brits has to be the sorry state of our collective teeth. While the UK's cosmetic dentistry industry may be nipping at America's heels, it seems we still have some way to go before we can shake off our deep-rooted dental hang-ups.
We spoke to one of our friends in a white coat to find out how you can buck the bad teeth trend and put the 'ping' back into your pearly whites without breaking the bank.
Diet and lifestyle
It's no secret that smoking, bingeing on sugar-laden food and polishing off endless cups of coffee can wreak havoc with our toothy grins. Dr. Amit Mehta of Verne Dental Practice in North Shields warns of the dangers: "Cut back on sugary snacks between meals to prevent tooth decay, and reduce your caffeine intake to stop those tell-tale signs of discolouration setting in. It is also important to chew sugar-free gum after eating to stimulate saliva because it protects teeth and flushes away food."
Another top tip for perfecting a mega-watt smile is to follow a tooth-friendly, 'white teeth diet.' This involves swapping red wine for white, black coffee for the white variety and finishing a meal with a swig of milk to neutralise acid in your mouth.
Oral hygiene
It may seem like a no-brainer, but dentists recommend brushing teeth for three minutes twice a day to ward off plaque-causing bacteria. According to a recent survey, however, a staggering 88 percent of men admitted to not meeting this target.
Dr. Mehta says: "Brushing teeth with fluoride-based toothpaste is vital to keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay. We advise combining this routine with brushing your tongue, using a mouthwash and regular dental check-ups."
I floss therefore I am. That is the mantra we would all be chanting if dentists had their way. A deceptively low-tech, but much neglected technique for achieving healthy teeth and gums, the nifty floss cleans parts the humble toothbrush cannot reach, removing hard-to-shift plaque and food particles lodged between teeth. Ask your dentist or hygienist for a step-by-step guide to fool-proof flossing.
Words: Asha Mehta
Photography: John Stewardson
Make up/hair: Nadine Gibbons
Model: Hannah Cook and Eve Walter of Adage
