Can I have some advice on good dental health and hygiene please?

[LostMyUserName]

My teeth aren’t great but I do want to look after them in the best way I can (within budget).

What are the best things I can do and what are the things I should avoid?

Is there a best type of mouthwash? And is it worth it?
Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual?
Does it matter what toothpaste I use?
I floss with dental tape every evening before brushing. Is this ok, or are the interdental brushes better?

What about the water flossers? Are they effective or gimmicky?

And in terms of things to avoid, is the answer basically sugar?

When I look at the relevant aisle in Boots or similar, I’m blinded by the marketing and I don’t know what works and what’s hype.

Grateful for any advice and suggestions.

Electric toothbrush with pressure sensor and timer.
Dental floss or tape.
Variety of sizes of tepe interdental brushes.
Occasional mouthwash.
Be consistent in your routine

Interdental brushes are a must!

Thanks @LetitiaLeghorn

I’ll get some interdental brushes.

The brushes must be wide enough to brush the teeth on either side of the gap but n6it so wide that they rub the enamel away. My dentist was telling me about one of his patients who used a brush that was too wide because he thought it would be more effective in cleaning. In actual fact he ended up making grooves in the base of all his teeth.
I getvmine from Bodycare. They sell all sizes. But my first lot I bought on Amazon. They sell a bag with 8 different sizes so you can see which gaps need which sizes.

Avoid acidics, like juice, and limit citrus fruits. If, say, you have juice for breakfast, don't brush your teeth until half an hour after. The acid softens the enamel initially and if you brush too early, you start to brush the enamel away.

You should have a listen to this episode of the podcast Sliced bread;

BBC Radio 4 - Sliced Bread - Is an electric toothbrush the best way to ...

If I recall correctly, if you have good technique there's very little difference between electric and manual, and less between expensive manual and cheap manual. Water flossers are good though they don't get between the bits where the teeth touch so flossing is still recommended.

Sorry, link fail: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0017k9b

I think the best thing is to go and see a hygienist, you have to pay but they will give you advice tailored to your mouth (i.e where you need to brush better, which interdental brushes to use).

Ask your own dentist what you need to get all sides of your teeth clean.

As depending on your own teeth and mouth you could be fine with just floss, just interdental brushes or may need both.

Thanks @LetitiaLeghorn

I’ve ordered a few sizes to try out.

Thanks @UnaOfStormhold, I’ll have a listen.

That makes sense, thanks @Gunpowder.

Thanks @RedWingBoots

I’ve got an appointment soon so I’ll ask them.