5 ways to celebrate Father’s Day with a smile

Whether you are a new dad or a seasoned pro (or even a grandfather for that matter), Father’s Day is a great time to celebrate your success. It’s also a perfect time to reflect on your health and wellbeing – and this includes your dental health. Here are 5 ways to make sure that you and your teeth stay in top condition.

1. Buy a new toothbrush

Dentists recommend that you change your toothbrush or head on your electric toothbrush every three months in order to maintain optimum oral health – but did you know that according to surveys, men on average tend to leave this as long as 185 days? There are numerous reasons to change your toothbrush regularly. Over time, the bristles lose their ability to clean effectively, as they start to fall out, change shape and splay. Bacteria can also build up on your toothbrush over time. A quality toothbrush should last perfectly well for three months when brushing as recommended – read on for more on that.

2. Review your oral hygiene routine

Hands up if you are one of the dads who faithfully brushes their teeth twice a day for two minutes? Keep your hand up if you also floss. If you answered yes to both of these, keep up the good work. It may seem normal, but statistics indicate that over 30% of adults fail to brush their teeth twice daily, and men tend to be worse at it that women.

Brushing twice daily for at least two minutes with a quality fluoride toothpaste and using dental floss or interdental brushes is the best way to ensure that you maintain healthy teeth and gums, helping to keep you smiling for years to come.

3. Cut back on sugary drinks and snacks

One of the biggest causes of tooth decay is the consumption of sugary drinks and snacks, especially between meals. While popular soft drinks are known to be unhealthy, many other products such as sports drinks are also high in sugar and may be highly acidic. It is well worth taking the time to look at what you consume and consider choosing more tooth-friendly alternatives.

If you do find that you need the occasional energy boost during the day, consider rinsing afterwards with mouthwash or even a cup of water to reduce acidity, or use a sugar-free chewing gum.

4. Book your next dental checkup

Did you know that just over half of UK adults are reported not to visit the dentist regularly? Taking the time to have a twice-yearly checkup is by far the best way to make sure that your teeth and gums stay in the best possible condition – and can benefit your health in other ways too. For example, gum disease is now linked to may other illnesses and conditions. Making sure that any signs of gum disease are spotted and treated at the earliest opportunity is vital to all-round good health.

Your regular dental checkup also includes screening for any early signs or symptoms of oral cancer, currently one of the fastest increasing kinds of cancer in the UK. The best way to ensure that you can be treated effectively is to identify any signs as early as possible.

5. Boost your confidence

Your smile says a lot about you, and is one of the first things that people notice. If you suffer from discoloured, missing or crooked teeth, this can really impact your confidence, which can have an effect on both your personal life and your professional career. With a wide range of treatments available including professional teeth whitening, dental implants, Invisalign adult braces and more, why not invest in yourself and enjoy the benefits of a smile you are proud of?

To book your next appointment today, arrange a consultation or enquire about becoming a member of our award-winning dental practice, call Stella Maris Dental today on 0121 588 4541.