Read this article to find out 3 easy ways to improve your oral health and avoid paying out for an emergency!
Despite the British having a bad reputation for poor dental care, recent figures show this to be the opposite nowadays. In fact, just 6% of the population have our teeth and gums thanks to new technologies and over-the-counter treatments for people to DIY dental care. That being said, while the standard of oral health has improved, 53% of Brits still don’t visit a dentist regularly, only going when they have a dental emergency.
Prices of an emergency appointment can range from £25.80 for an NHS dentist, while private dentists can charge upwards of this figure. This is before any treatment is carried out. An emergency tooth extraction can cost you upwards of £280 alone.
So what can you do to help improve your dental care and avoid paying out for emergency treatment?
Visit The Dentist
Visiting your dentist twice a year can help you stay on top of your teeth and gums and have been aware of the condition of your oral health. You will be able to find out if you have any teeth likely to need fillings, gum disease you can treat, misalignment, and more.
From here, you can book in to have the appropriate treatment as a regular appointment, not an emergency, from booking in for crowns, dentures, orthodontics and more.
You can even talk to them about straightening up your teeth so you can purchase clear braces to help you correct misaligned teeth, book in for cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening or just get advice on improving how you care for your teeth.
Rinse After Every Meal
A common misconception thrown around is that you should brush your teeth after every meal. This is thought to have come from the diet industry, where people who are cutting down on what they eat are told to brush their teeth to stop them from wanting to eat anymore. However, this can be extremely damaging to your enamel.
Brushing directly after eating can cause any debris in your mouth to be brushed along the teeth and cause more damage than eating itself. Instead, rinse your mouth with water after eating. Then, if you need to, brush a little while later so you can be sure there is nothing in your out to harm your teeth.
Use Floss and Mouthwash Correctly
Everyone knows they need to lose, and this little white lie is something most people tell their dentist (FYI, they know you’re lying). But these days, you don’t have to use string floss to get between your teeth and carry out a deeper clean. You can use water flossers or interdental brushes, or floss-on sticks to help you reach those awkward places brushing misses.
Also, stop using mouthwash directly after brushing. Despite the claims made by mouthwash companies, most mouthwashes don’t do what they claim to and are a part of your oral care routine you can easily go without (unless you’re using a rinse specifically for issues such as gingivitis).
If you do wish to use mouthwash, use it before brushing to rinse your out, or wait a short while after brushing. This is because their mouthwash will rinse off the fluoride residue from brushing, which helps to protect your teeth.
So there you have it, three tips to help you improve your mouth and have healthier gums and stronger teeth.
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