Something to Smile About

Our teeth are one of our most important assets. Apart from the daily grind, they affect our face shape and even improve our pulling power and job prospects. And studies show our smile is the second thing people notice, after our eyes.

But despite their importance, many people just don't look after their gnashers properly ... And it's not just our looks at stake. Neglecting your mouth not only causes bad breath, cavities, gum disease and tooth loss, but new studies show there are connections between poor oral hygiene and having low-weight babies, as well as heart attacks and strokes.

Luckily, keeping your mouth happy and healthy is simple. Follow our expert guide, and you'll soon have something to smile about.

Beat Bad Breath
This problem starts with bacteria. Over 170 different types live in our mouths, feeding on bits of food left on our teeth after meals. This produces volatile sulphur compounds which give breath that foul smell.

Bacteria hides under plaque and food debris, in the spaces between the teeth and gums, and in the deep crevices of the tongue.

Brushing your teeth and your tongue twice a day and flossing daily will help to banish bad breath.

It's also important to keep your mouth moist as saliva acts as a mouthwash. Drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.

Recent studies have shown that many mouthwashes only temporarily mask bad breath. In fact, because they contain alcohol, some can even make the situation worse by drying out the mouth and creating a more hospitable environment for bacteria.

Look for brands with chlorine dioxide, which directly attacks the volatile sulphur compounds responsible for bad breath.

Cut Cavities
Everyone dreads getting a filling, but good oral hygiene can practically eliminate cavities.

Caused by acid, cavities are created when bacteria feed on sugar in food. However, the minerals in saliva neutralize the acid and repair the damage.

Larger intervals between meals provide more opportunity for acid to be neutralized and more time for the acid damage to be repaired. Frequent snacks result in a constant acid attack and provide less time for natural tooth repair.

This is why it's best to limit snacks between meals and save sugary drinks for meal times, too.

Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is crucial to combat cavities. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel making it more resistant to acid attacks.

Tackle Tartar
Plaque builds up constantly in the mouth, forming a white film around our teeth. If it isn't removed by regular brushing and flossing, it hardens to form a substance called tartar around the gumline.

Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF), explains, "If you remove plaque often enough, you shouldn't get tartar, but once it's formed, it can only be removed by a scale and polish at the dentist's."

Some people are more prone to tartar build-up than others, and a tartar-control toothpaste can help. It's important to have tartar removed regularly. If it's left alone, harmful bacteria build up in the tartar and produce toxins, which irritate and inflame gums, possibly leading to gum disease.

Flossing facts >