A dazzling set of teeth doesn’t happen by chance. This dental playbook will have your grin camera-ready all year.
Let’s talk about our teeth. They help us chew food, speak clearly, pronounce different sounds and, last but not least, they’re at the centre of every great smile. Taking care of them is super important. If you want to maintain the function of your teeth, your overall health and the beauty of your smile, there are some key habits to add to your daily routine. And it’s pretty simple. From regular dentist checkups to good hygiene habits, here’s the lowdown on the best care for your teeth so you can flash that winning smile.
Brush up
A good oral-care routine starts with mastering the basics — and brushing sits at the top of the list. According to the South African Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. This removes plaque — which can build up and harden into calculus and lead to gingivitis (gum disease) — and clears away food particles that can eat away at your teeth and cause cavities.
On the flip side, brushing your teeth for too long can also be harmful as it wears down the outer enamel layer that protects your teeth. When enamel thins, it exposes the dentin beneath — a layer with tiny holes that connect to nerves. When these nerve endings are irritated, you might feel all sorts of pain.
The way you brush is equally important. Doing a poor job of it is almost as bad as not brushing your teeth at all. Move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions along the gum line, top and bottom. Then brush the roof of your mouth to remove any lingering bacteria. And don’t forget your tongue – plaque can build up there, too, which contributes to bad breath and other oral-health problems.
Lastly, upgrade to a good-quality toothbrush so the process of plaque removal is more effective. If you have sensitive gums, opt for a brush with softer bristles, which is gentler and less likely to damage enamel. An electric toothbrush is also a solid choice as it guides technique and is designed for optimal plaque control.
Straighten ’em out
These six methods can straighten crooked teeth.
Traditional Braces: The classic option. It most commonly consists of metal brackets, wires and elastic bands working together to gradually move teeth into a better position.
Retainer: After orthodontic treatment with braces, this device helps maintain teeth alignment.
Invisalign: Clear and removable, these aligners are custom-made to gently move teeth over time into the desired position. They are virtually invisible and easy to clean.
Veneer: A thin porcelain moulding bonded to the front of a tooth to improve shape, symmetry and overall appearance.
Dental Bonding: A tooth-coloured resin is applied and shaped to correct misalignment or gaps.
Crown and Bridge: Porcelain or metal is placed over teeth for improved function and appearance
White & bright
Professional In-Office Whitening:
A dental professional uses safety-tested, powerful active ingredients and tools to whiten your teeth.
At-Home Whitening Kits:
Custom trays provided by your dentist that you can take home and wear overnight for gradual whitening.
Over-the-Counter Products:
Whitening strips, toothpaste, pens and rinses that can help remove surface stains, though they are less potent than a professional treatment.
Natural and DIY Methods:
These are ideal if you want to avoid chemicals. While baking soda and activated charcoal are great, oil pulling is the one that should be on your radar. This technique involves swishing edible oil (coconut, sunflower or sesame oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes before or after brushing, then spitting it out to help remove dirt, bacteria and debris.
Dentists vs dental hygienists
Both are registered dental professionals but their roles differ. A dental or oral hygienist specialises in cleaning, scaling and polishing teeth, while a dentist diagnoses dental issues and prescribes the appropriate treatment. Not everyone needs to see a hygienist every six months, but some people require deep cleaning to manage gum disease or prepare for treatments like dental implants.
Best bits and bobs
Always floss
Brushing twice a day isn’t enough to remove debris, especially in hard-to-reach places between teeth and under the gum line. Flossing at least once daily, before brushing, removes trapped food particles and plaque for a deeper clean — which prevents gum inflammation and lowers the risk of cavities between teeth.
End with mouthwash
Mouthwash shouldn’t replace brushing or flossing, but it should be part of your daily routine. It helps reduce acid in the mouth (more on this below), cleans areas in and around the gums and has antibacterial properties that reduce plaque and freshen breath.
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat every now and then? While often irresistible, sugar turns into acid in the mouth, which then erodes tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Acidic foods and drinks, including fruit, tea and coffee, can also wear down enamel. Water is the best beverage for overall and oral health. (Note that adding lemon increases the acidity.) Dentists recommend drinking water after every meal to wash away residue from sticky and/or acidic foods and drinks.
Consume fresh produce
Fresh, crunchy foods like apples, carrots and granola are great for stimulating saliva, which helps scrub away food particles and clear debris and bacteria between brushes. Leafy greens, veggies and many fruits contain essential nutrients, like vitamins C and A, which support healthy cell growth in the mouth, strengthen gums and teeth and boost immunity against oral infections
Schedule regular checkups
Even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist at least once a year. This can reduce the risk of tooth decay as a dentist can spot potential weak spots and issues early, offering treatment solutions. During a routine checkup, a dental hygienist will do a thorough cleaning and your dentist will conduct an examination, which might include taking X-rays of your mouth.
If you notice any dental problems or experience pain, address it promptly by seeing a dentist. Warning signs include red, inflamed gums (tender gums could lead to infection or tooth loss), heightened sensitivity to temperatures or sweets, or pain — including toothache, jaw pain or gum pain. Early intervention prevents more complex treatments later, maintains overall oral health and protects your smile.
Words: Leila Petersen
Photography: Shutterstock
