National Smile Month is nearly here, which seemed like a good excuse for a timely reminder about the importance of looking after your teeth. Here at CK Dental, Bristol Dentist Cornelius Krause is passionate about oral health, and National Smile Month aims to help promote good oral hygiene across the country.

There are three main messages that National Smile Month is trying to get across, and they are the following:

Brush your teeth twice a day

You should brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, last thing at night before going to bed and on at least one other occasion throughout the day. Ideally you would brush your teeth after every meal, or at least every meal containing sugar – although it is important to wait for half an hour before doing so, to avoid damaging the enamel on your teeth.

Cut down on sugary food and drinks

It goes without saying that sugary food and drinks are not good for you – they can encourage weight gain and they cause damage to your teeth.

If you can’t avoid them all together, then try to at least cut down. Limit yourself to one sugary treat per day, or only allow them during a certain time period, such as between 12 and 3 in the afternoon. Try replacing them with healthier alternatives, such as fruit, milk and water.

Visit your dentist regularly

No matter how often you brush your teeth, only a visit to the dentist can truly put your mind at rest with regard to your oral health. Dentists don’t just check up on how well you are taking care of your teeth, they can also detect early warning signs of mouth cancer and gum disease, so it is vital that you have regular appointments.