Poor oral health routines are restricting people from getting their superstar smile.
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That’s according to a research conducted by Wrigley and the British Dental Health Foundation, which shows more than one in three give little thought to their oral health while only one in eight admit to consciously avoiding foods and drinks they know to be bad for their teeth.
Face of the ‘Superstar Smile’ campaign and Made in Chelsea star Alexandra ‘Binky’ Felstead added: “I think it’s only natural that people have times when they lack self-confidence and can worry about how they look – I certainly have!
“I’ve always made sure that I brush my teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and also visit my dentist regularly. But, I also make sure I keep sugar-free gum on me at all times, so I can chew after eating or drinking, on the go and know that my teeth are clean and healthy.”
Discoloured teeth was the biggest reason for people feeling self-conscious about their smile, with fear of food in teeth and crooked teeth also troubling respondents.
Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, said: “One thing to consider when you think about oral health is hidden sugars, which are present in so many foods and drinks, including fruit and fruit smoothies.
“When adopting a healthy diet we also need to include those foods and eating habits that counteract the damaging effects of dietary acids and sugars on the teeth. Remember to choose foods rich in the minerals that help protect the teeth from harmful acids. Calcium rich foods not only promote good bone density in the skeleton, they also affect the quality of bone around the teeth.
“Adopting the simple dental hygiene habit of chewing sugar-free gum after every eating and drinking occasion is a really good and convenient way of looking after your oral health whilst on the go.
“Chewing sugar-free gum washes away food debris, helps to neutralises damaging plaque acids and remineralises tooth enamel by stimulating the flow of saliva which helps protect teeth throughout the day.”
Tagged in Dental Health Oral health Binky Felstead