Dentist Dr Christoper Ho reveals the essential tools to keep teeth in peak condition and how to nullify the effects of the big three teeth stainers : coffee, red wine and tea.
1. What are the most common causes of tooth staining? Can you list the culprits?
Drinking lots of tea, coffee and red wine are the most common causes of tooth discolouration, however there are also less obvious culprits – for example eating a highly pigmented curry can also stain your teeth.
2. How can you limit the effects of these stainers?
Rinsing your mouth with water is the first step in limiting tooth discolouration. If you indulge in a daily caffeine fix or enjoy a glass of red, incorporate a stain removing toothpaste into your daily routine.
3. What is the best teeth cleaning routine?
To maintain healthy teeth all year round, always brush for two minutes twice a day and floss daily.
4. How often should you visit your dentist?
Regular visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and a bright white smile. I recommend that my patients schedule appointments every six months so that any problems can be caught early and treated easily.
5. How do you keep that really clean feeling going after your dental visit?
Power toothbrushes are the best way to achieve that dentist clean feeling. Try the Oral-B Triumph 5000 or Oral-B SmartSeries 7000 which use oscillating-rotating-pulsating technology that is proven to remove up to twice as much plaque as a manual brush[ii] and help you clean hard to reach places.
6. What products are effective in whitening teeth?
A great way to effortlessly achieve a bright white smile at home is to incorporate a whitening toothpaste, rinse and whitening strips as part of your everyday beauty routine.
7. How do you keep your breath fresh?
Keep your breath fresh by maintaining a good oral care routine of brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day, flossing (particularly before going to bed) and using an oral mouthwash.
Staying hydrated throughout the day and night will also help to wash away any excess bacteria that may be stuck to your teeth.
8. What brushing technique do you recommend?
If you use a manual toothbrush, adopt a gentle circular motion across all surfaces of the teeth and down to the gum line. Plaque is actually quite soft, so it’s important to select a brush with soft bristles and remember not to scrub too hard.
For those who haven’t mastered their brush technique, its good idea to invest in a power toothbrush – rather than moving the brush up and down or side-to-side, you simply hold the brush on each tooth for a few seconds. Power toothbrushes help to monitor excessive brushing which can lead to gum recession and wear down tooth enamel by giving you signals when you are brushing too hard.
9. What is the best way to keep your tongue clean?
I always recommend brushing your tongue. My favourite power toothbrush, the Oral-B SmartSeries 7000, offers seven customised features for a truly personalised brushing experience, including a tongue cleaner mode setting – perfect.
