Maintaining a healthy smile: keep it simple

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In the last 6 months alone, I have spent more time in a dentist’s chair than in my entire life. And just in the last two years I’ve also added seeing a dental hygienist to my routine.

Before I continue, I chose the photo because I liked my smile/laughter; it was one of a collaboration I did with Gousto Recipe Boxes but it wasn’t used for the campaign.

Anyway, when I was a kid, going to the dentist was an annual appointment to count teeth. I was lucky; I had no problems beyond taking some antibiotics once when my wisdom teeth were coming in.

Then, during my time at a job that came with health insurance, I took the opportunity to visit a private dentist. It turned out that I needed a simple filling, which, considering I was in my late thirties, wasn’t too bad for my first filling. That went well and I never needed or chose to go to a dentist for the next 5-6 years.

However, during the pandemic, I started experiencing some discomfort with a tooth and a visit to the dentist confirmed that I would need to have my filling replaced. I went back the following week to have it done, but it didn’t solve my toothache.

Upon further investigation, I was diagnosed with Cracked Tooth Syndrome and it seemed to have been caused by grinding/clenching my teeth in my sleep and not realizing it. The filling was replaced again, and I have just started wearing a mouth guard/night guard to help protect my teeth from further damage while I let the filling set to see if I can live with it.

Table of Contents

Use an electric toothbrush

When I first went to the dental hygienist, the two things she suggested I do to maintain good dental hygiene were buy an electric toothbrush and start flossing.

Well the electric toothbrush was easy. She said you don’t have to spend a fortune on one they all do the same thing and recommend spending a max of £50 so I bought this one. With a built-in 2-minute timer, she makes sure her teeth get a good clean every morning and evening.

Toothpaste makes a difference

After my filling hiccups, the hygienist sent me over with some Sensodyne toothpaste samples, to see if it would help a bit with the sensitivity I was experiencing. I think I did notice a difference to be honest and if something as simple as toothpaste can help with healthy teeth, I’m here for it.

Floss regularly

Okay, so this is the one I haven’t been so good at. I know, but we can’t all be perfect. The hygienist gave me some to use, but they were left in my bathroom drawers unused.

Research has found that flossing reduces cavities that form between teeth, so you’re reducing the risk of needing dental work by flossing. When an email arrived in my inbox about Grin Oral Care, a contemporary oral brand dedicated to changing the face of the industry, I was intrigued.

They will be launching on Boots.co.uk in December 2022 and I am looking forward to trying out their range, which includes:

fine smile – this Flosspyx is designed for tight teeth, with a super strong fine floss, to get into those tight spaces between teeth. This dental floss comes in a mint flavor for that fresh breath.

soft smile – This Floospyx has been created for very soft dental floss. For users with slightly more sensitive teeth, the floss tape is much gentler. This yarn also comes in a mint flavor.

smile tongue – specifically designed to clean the tongue by gently removing bacteria, which helps fight bad breath. Comes with 20 disposable hygienic scrapers.

Each of their products are made with recycled plastic and are biodegradable. When I’ve received a few samples and tested them, I’ll come back and update this post.

What you eat

I first wrote this post in 2014 to share an infographic detailing which foods to look out for and which ones to use for good dental health. I even created a juice recipe using some of my favorite ingredients featured in the “eat it” section.

If you have a juicer, definitely give this recipe a try; it provides a nice shot of vitamin c along with the immune-boosting benefits of ginger, which is why I named it ‘Second Spring’…a fresh start, ready for the change of seasons.

carrots and ginger

Carrot sticks are a great tooth-healthy snack. They are packed with vitamin A, which helps form and maintain healthy teeth. In addition, its crunchy texture stimulates the gums and acts as a natural toothbrush.

Ginger also has many healthy properties, one of which includes being anti-inflammatory, which helps maintain healthy oral tissue.