The temperature is dropping, and the leaves are falling. It’s that time of year where hot chocolate and mulled wine is the go-to and chocolate is gifted in abundance. Despite the fun and festivities that the Autumn and Winter months bring, it is now more important than ever to keep your oral hygiene in top condition.

Here’s the best four ways in which you can still enjoy the end of the year and go into the New Year with well-maintained dental health…

Consume Sweet Treats at Mealtimes

Toffee apples at the market, candy floss at bonfire night, a little chocolate from the advent calendar. The one thing they all have in common (apart from being delicious!) is the high sugar content. If you want to eat these sweet treats, it is best to do so at mealtimes. This is when our mouths naturally produce more saliva and therefore can quickly eliminate any acidic bacteria.

Brush Twice Daily and Use Fluoride Toothpaste

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, brushing twice a day is the absolute key to maintaining good oral hygiene.

A way to upgrade this is to look for a toothpaste with fluoride in it. Fluoride helps to harden your tooth enamel and reduces your risk of tooth decay.

One of our friendly team would be happy to point you in the direction of the best one for you at your next appointment.

Drink Water After You Consume Sweets

Drinking water is not only good for your overall health and can help improve dental health too.

Water helps to rinse away any leftover food particles and minimises the time the sugary substances stay in your mouth. This will limit the presence of bacteria and reduce the risk of plaque build-up.

Remember this is to be done in addition to your brushing routine! Don’t think this is a quick-fix alternative!

Clean Between Your Teeth With Floss and Interproximal Brushes

Toffee apples, chewy fudge and the toffee coins in the Quality Street tin are all undoubtedly delicious, but a nuisance when it comes to cleaning your teeth. Even following the recommended twice-a-day brush routine, it can be difficult to get those hard-to-reach parts. A toothbrush cleans only 70% of your teeth, it is very important to use your interdental aids like floss or interdental brushes on a daily basis. To avoid a build-up of bacteria , add flossing and the use of interproximal brushes into your routine to elevate your routine.

If you feel your oral hygiene is no longer a priority, book an appointment with our friendly team today. Our treatments range from routine scaling and polishing, to plaque removal and to more extensive treatment of gum disease, where required. Whatever your needs, Esthetique Dental can devise a personalised treatment plan for you click here to find out more.