1. Think about dietary changes. Red wine, black tea, coffee, and cigarettes all can stain your teeth. Even healthy teeth can get stained and plaque can build up if your diet is poor. Generally, to avoid staining, cut out any darkly coloured food and drink. If you do consume something that might cause staining, give your teeth a quick brush and rinse with some mouthwash.
  2. Change your toothbrush regularly Get a new toothbrush every three months. With electric toothbrushes, swap the head every 2 months. Your toothbrush gradually collects bacteria, so brushing eventually transfers that bacteria back into your mouth. Not great for healthy teeth!
  3. Drink lots of water. Keeping well hydrated is key for oral health. Generally, try to drink a glass of water for each hour you work. Water will keep your digestive system moving – for better skin and healthier teeth. Also drinking water naturally flushes bacteria out of your mouth.
  4. Don’t forget to clean your tongue. Tongue scrapers are a good way to keep your teeth healthy and white. A gentle scrape every day will also freshen breath and remove plaque that’s collected on your tongue. While ‘scraping your tongue’ doesn’t sound very nice, it actually feels quite pleasant, and only adds a few seconds to your teeth brushing routine.
  5. Fill up on ‘teeth cleaner’ foods Apples are known as ‘nature’s toothbrush’, and are great for healthy teeth. Crisp foods like celery and raw carrots will actually clean your teeth as you eat! If you’re stuck without a toothbrush, snack on this stuff for healthier teeth.
  6. Use a mouthwash.
  7. Remember to floss. Keep some floss in the bathroom, in the glovebox of your car, somewhere at work, and in your bag. Flossing gets ignored but is vital for healthier teeth. Having a packet to hand means you can jump into a bathroom and floss every time you eat. Flossing also strengthens your gums!
  8. It’s all about timing. The best times to brush are in the morning and just before bed at night.  This removes bacteria you’ve gathered during the day or night. Brush for a minimum of two minutes, in gentle circular motions. If you have time, try to brush after lunch and dinner too.
  9. For little brushers, play a little game. Kids need to learn the importance of healthy teeth. But if your child isn’t a big fan of brushing, make it more fun. Play a song to time their brushing, make a reward chart for a month’s brushing, clean your teeth all together as a family, or let them brush the teeth of their favourite doll or cuddly toy. Adding some fun will help establish healthy teeth habits for the future.
  10. Don’t avoid the dentist. No-one looks forward to the dentist, but six monthly checkups are vital for healthy teeth. You must get into the habit of going! If it helps, offer yourself an incentive, treat or reward for each visit.   

Source - Irish Dental Association - https://www.dentist.ie/your-oral-health.9.html  Cornmarket cannot be held responsible for the information contained on third party websites.