Grooming Habits for Healthy Teeth

Written by Menswear Style
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Grooming

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12th December 2024

Dental hygiene is an important aspect of grooming oneself and goes hand in hand with personal hygiene and overall health. It helps boost confidence, improve social interactions and reflect a sense of discipline.
However, as we know it, skincare, hair care, and having a muscular and attractive physique are generally given more attention. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the top five grooming habits that every man should adopt in order to maintain good dental health and eventually contribute to better grooming practices.

Although, the aspect of personal hygiene is mainly perceived based on how your skin and hair look, oral hygiene is an essential part of it and should not be neglected. Here’s why: 

First Impressions Matter: It is said that your smile is the first thing that people notice about you. Good dental hygiene always ensures that your teeth and smile are as clean as possible, making you look more approachable and confident. 

Health Implications: If one does not maintain proper dental hygiene, they will develop complications such as gum disease, cavities, and bad breath which may eventually affect other body organs such as the heart and digestive system. 

Ageing Gracefully: Dental care is important to preserve your teeth for as long as possible from a professional dental hygienist in London. Remember, natural teeth are always the best!

Men tend to neglect dental care for various reasons, such as busy schedules or lack of awareness. Here are some common dental issues men face and their causes: 

Plaque and Tartar Buildup: Inconsistent brushing and flossing allow plaque to harden into tartar, leading to gum disease. 

Tooth Sensitivity: Poor brushing techniques or consuming an acidic diet can erode tooth enamel, causing sensitivity and discomfort. 

Stained Teeth: Smoking, coffee, tea, wine, and alcohol consumption often lead to discolouration. 

Gum Problems: Neglecting flossing can result in inflamed or bleeding gums, which is an early sign of gum disease. If not taken care of at the right time, gum disease can worsen over time and cause the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. 

Well, here are the top 5 grooming habits you can follow to maintain your oral hygiene: 

1. The Basics: Brushing, Flossing and Using a Mouthwash 

Brushing: Master the Technique 

Proper brushing is the foundation of good oral hygiene. Use a fluoride or hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean all surfaces of your teeth using gentle, circular motions. You can even use an electric toothbrush, as per your convenience and what your dentist recommends.
Spend at least two minutes brushing twice daily, preferably once in the morning and once before going to bed. Don’t forget to clean your tongue using a tongue cleaner to prevent any buildup and avoid bad breath.

The Role of Flossing 

Flossing removes food particles and plaque between teeth, areas where your toothbrush can’t reach. Without it, plaque buildup can lead to gum disease and cavities. 

Are There Any Alternatives? 

For men who find traditional flossing time-consuming, floss picks or water flossers/ oral irrigators are excellent options. Consult our emergency dentists in London to decide what’s best for you! 

Using a Mouthwash: Benefits and How to Use It 

A good antimicrobial or fluoride-based mouthwash provides the following advantages:

– Kills bacteria 

– Strengthens enamel 

– Reduces cavities 

– Calms gum irritation 

How to Use Mouthwash Correctly? 

– Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing. 

– Measure the recommended amount (usually 20–30 ml). 

– Swish it around your mouth for 30–60 seconds, ensuring it reaches all areas, including between the teeth. 

– Avoid eating and drinking for 30 minutes after to ensure that the active ingredients work properly. 

2. Get Professional Teeth Cleaning Done 

No matter how thorough your oral hygiene routine is, there will always be parts that are just not easily cleanable, and some stains that cannot be removed without help. That is where professional teeth cleaning comes into play and offers numerous benefits such as: 

Prevents Dental Issues: Regular professional teeth cleanings address early signs of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. 

Removes Plaque and Tartar: Eliminates buildup in hard-to-reach areas, preventing serious problems. 

Improves your smile’s appearance: Brightens your smile by removing stains and discolouration. 

Supports General Health: Avoids the risk of systemic diseases like heart disease and stroke. 

Our team of dental hygienists and dentists in London provide professional teeth cleaning and offer additional treatment options, such as fluoride application, to help strengthen your teeth.

3. Get Professional Teeth Whitening Done for a Brighter, More Attractive Smile 

For a brighter and more appealing smile, consider professional teeth whitening with our experienced dentists in London. Men are particularly prone to staining due to lifestyle habits, and certain stains, like intrinsic stains, can’t be removed through regular brushing and flossing. Professional teeth whitening offers an effective solution, using carbamide peroxide to help lighten your teeth. 

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening 

Boosted Self-confidence: A brighter smile can improve your self-esteem, giving you a noticeable confidence boost. 

Affordable and effective: Teeth whitening is a budget-friendly solution that offers immediate results, providing a fresh new look without burning a hole in your pocket. 

More youthful look: A whiter smile can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, giving you a more youthful, energetic appearance. 

Safe and effective: Professional whitening procedures are safe, ensuring no harmful side effects when done correctly. 

Visit our cosmetic dentists in London, where they perform professional teeth whitening to help you achieve the bright, white smile you’ve always wanted. 

4. Get a Straight, Perfectly Aligned Smile 

Having a straight and aligned smile is a very important part of grooming oneself. Correcting how your teeth contact each other not only enhances your appearance but also helps in improving overall function and efficiency by reducing plaque buildup, preventing tooth decay, and more.

Orthodontists are specialised dental professionals who provide orthodontic treatments, offering a range of benefits such as: 

Better Oral Hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to clean, thus reducing plaque and bacteria accumulation 

Aesthetic Improvement: Orthodontic treatment enhances facial symmetry, improves self-esteem, and provides a good first impression through an aligned smile. 

Correction of Bite: Orthodontics corrects bite problems such as overbites and underbites, thereby improving chewing, and speaking, and preventing future dental problems. 

Prevention of Tooth Wear: Aligned teeth reduce wear and tear and prevent enamel erosion and grinding, promoting better hygiene. 

Improved Speech: Correcting your bite will improve the clarity of speech, enhance the coordination of the oral muscles, and improve your confidence while communicating. 

Our dentists in London provide a range of orthodontic options, including traditional metal braces with wires, ceramic braces, and Invisalign. Invisalign is an invisible treatment offering an aesthetic solution without the visible metal components of conventional braces.

Each option enhances oral health, aesthetics, confidence, and overall well-being while helping prevent future dental issues. Book an appointment with our dentists in London to discuss which treatment is best suited to your needs.

5. Get Your Missing Teeth, If Any, Replaced 

Having a full set of teeth is essential for both function and aesthetics. Replacing missing teeth is a key aspect of grooming your smile. Several benefits come with replacing lost teeth, including: 

Improved chewing efficiency: Replacing missing teeth helps you chew properly, aiding digestion. 

Enhanced Appearance: A complete set of teeth restores your smile and enhances facial symmetry. 

Improved Speech: Filling gaps with teeth eliminates speech issues and makes communication easier. 

Prevents bone loss: Tooth replacement helps maintain jawbone health and structure. 

Boosts Confidence: A complete smile enhances self-esteem and social interactions. 

Dentures 

Dentures are custom-made removable prosthetic teeth and gums designed to fit your mouth. They sit on the gums and are secured using suction or adhesives. They are the least invasive option, requiring no surgery, and they are typically more affordable. 

Dental Bridges 

Dental bridges are fixed (non-removable) appliances used to replace missing teeth. They are anchored to adjacent natural teeth or implants, providing a secure and natural-feeling solution. Bridges help preserve bone structure, maintaining your overall facial appearance. 

Dental Implants 

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots. They support single crowns, bridges, or full dentures. Implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth while preventing bone loss that can impact facial structure. However, they require surgery and are more expensive than other options, making them less suitable for everyone due to individual bone health considerations. 

Whether you’re considering removable treatment that includes partial or complete dentures or fixed treatment such as dental crowns, bridges, veneers to close minor gaps or dental implants, our expert dentists in London can do it all.

With years of experience, they’ll help you choose the best option based on factors like feasibility, affordability, and the condition of your remaining natural teeth.

Avoid Any Harmful Habits 

– Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can stain teeth and harm your gums. 

– Avoid using your teeth as tools to open bottles or packages as they might fracture. 

Protect Your Smile 

While Engaging in Sports
If you participate in contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect against dental injuries. 

Ensure Regular Dental Visits 

It is recommended to visit your dentist every six months for a thorough checkup to assess your oral health and determine if any treatments are needed. Our dentists in London offer a range of comprehensive services, including tooth restorations with fillings, root canal treatments for tooth pain, wisdom tooth extractions, emergency procedures such as replacing lost teeth due to injury, repairing chipped teeth, etc. 

Healthy teeth are the backbone of good grooming for men and play a very important role in general health and self-confidence. Brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, eating right, and visiting a dentist regularly can provide long-term oral health benefits and a smile that creates an impact.

Invest in these habits today for a lifetime of benefits. For personalised guidance and professional care, consult our dentists in London to optimise your oral hygiene routine.