Nice teeth - share your routines/must haves

[GentleSloth]

Those with nice teeth, please share your best tips for good oral hygiene please!

I used to have terrible teeth and then after weaning from BF I developed an aversion to sweet tastes. I wasn't able to eat sugar or fruit for 8 years. My teeth were absolutely tranformed by it. I used to get them drilled every single time I went to a dentist and they haven't needed drilled at all for 8 years.

My DS can't cope with drilling but the dentist told him never to eat anything with sugar or acid between meals and his teeth have also been fine since then.

I'm going to go and touch wood now.

I wouldn't say my teeth are 'nice' but I never seem to have any issues with them or my gums. I have several fillings and a crown, but for many years now, nothing has needed doing, not even a scale and polish.

It's just basic; clean teeth twice a day with a decent brush, and never brush immediately after eating as that's when the enamel is softest. I also use a decent toothpaste as I find that some, (the cheaper supermarket brands) leave my teeth sticky.

I don't eat a lot of sweet stuff, and if I'm at home, I use a water flosser after eating to remove debris.

I have nice teeth.
I don't have much nice about me, but I do have nice teeth.
They are straight, white and strong. No braces, no fillings, no chips, no dental work at all.

I brush twice a day normally but sometimes if I'm really tired i don't do before bed.

I use a water floss about twice a week.

I was a smoker from age 15-32 and drink black coffee.

Genetics definitely helped me.

To have truly "nice" teeth you need full orthodontic work plus bleaching, or veneers. Most dentists don't offer aesthetic treatment if there are decayed teeth or ones that need extraction so those invariably get fixed up in the process.

Then get a retainer and or night aligners and wear them to prevent shifting. On top of that it's brushing for 2 mins with a electric toothbrush, flossing/interdental brushes and mouthwash twice a day. Hygienist appointment twice a year for thorough cleaning.

If you just brush and clean then it's "healthy" teeth rather than nice. You won't run in issues regarding pain and treatment but unfortunately people only perceive teeth as good if they are aesthetically pleasing as well.

@PunishmentRoundupWithJoon which water flosser do you have please?

@User353526 apologies - I did just mean for ‘healthy’ teeth!

Yep I assumed that might be what you meant! Healthy teeth is much easier to achieve. Hygienist appointments are vital because the deep clean reaches places you can't do yourself and can hold off cavities for much longer.

@GentleSloth - It's one from Amazon, Hangsun. It's easier to handle than the Waterpik one, which I found bulky. This is just as good and lasts a decent amount of time. I use it before brushing my teeth and it's very satisfying seeing all the bits come flying out that I didn't know were there!

CHEAP - Interdental brushes! Regularly.

MID - regular hygienist

SPLURGE - I don’t regret the money spent on Invisalign and bonding. Made a huge difference.

@PunishmentRoundupWithJoon just ordered one thank you!

@Toooldforthis36 ive started using the tepe brushes but cant fit it between all my teeth (im using the smallest one).

also how is best to use the tepe brushes? I’ve googled it and each video says something differen

Mouthwash is a waste of money. 98% are classed as cosmetic because there is no clinical evidence they do any good. If you absolutely have to use it then it shouldn’t be used within two hours of using toothpaste as it washes the fluoride away and interacts with toothpaste . They can also dry your mouth out making bad breath worse.

If you clean well and use interdental brushes or floss , everyday, you should never need a hygienist appointment as there will be no tartar to remove .

Veneers are not “nice teeth” they are teeth that have been cut down to look better , that work will need replacing , on average, every 10 years taking yet more tooth away . Eventually leading to crowns , root treatment etc over a long enough time.

Healthy diet is a big contributer to healthy teeth. Limit your sugar and snack consumption and cut out sugary drinks.

Can you define 'nice teeth' please OP? There is a difference between healthy/ straight/ white, etc. What do you mean when you say 'nice'?

White teeth are easily achievable but you can wear down the enamel by having them whitened/ using whitening toothpastes so often.

I have straight, healthy teeth. Straight was achieved with a brace. Healthy is achieved by brushing regularly. They are not completely white because I drink coffee and refuse to use whitening products.

@Bringbackthebeaver apologies I mean ‘healthy’ teeth xx

Those interdental brushes just feel like such a waste of plastic. I feel guilty every time I throw one away. That's why I got the water floss.

Ah ok. So for healthy teeth, just brush regularly and floss - and see your dental hygienist regularly. Consider getting an electric toothbrush if you don't have one already.

Don't brush more than 3 times a day.

Be careful not to brush too hard or overbrush as that can damage gums.

Water flossers can be good, but they can also cause issues if you have receding or sensitive gums or use them incorrectly (similar to overbrushing). They are a bit of a craze but you need to use them with caution. I don't use one personally and have never needed a filling in my life.

@GentleSloth re tepe brushes I got the hang of it after a session with hygienist! Didn’t think they would possibly fit but there is a knack - they’ll be able to help you get started, really worth it 👍

Genetically I have been blessed with straight, even white teeth, no gaps.

The best way to keep them in good nick is daily effort and attention, no junk food, snacking (which is so common nowadays, everything is geared up to tempt people to eat rubbish, it takes will power not to slip into bad habits.

During the pandemic when I couldn't get to a checkup for nearly 2 years, I
developed Gingivitis (gum disease, inflamed gums) which if left untreated is far more harmful than tooth decay. People lose more teeth to gum disease than decay. The root cause is insufficient attention to cleaning the backs of teeth, and right up to where the gum and teeth meet which causes bacteria to accumulate, the gums to recede from the tooth and ultimately leading to bone loss so the tooth becomes loosened from the jaw.

I have been using 3 different colours of Tepe which the dentist recommended-red, yellow and green which are different thicknesses to get in between the top of the teeth, plus floss to do the whole space. I'm a bit obsessed now and carry flossing harps and a yellow tepe in my work bag

I'm careful not to snack if I can't clean my teeth afterwards.

I take about 10 mins a night to do a full clean. 100% agree about being gentle, vigorous brushing causes lasting damage.

i have a 6 monthly clean at the hygienist and try to have a 6 month dental check up if there's availability. I'm shortly going onto a den plan through work which will cost £9/month for 6 monthly check ups I'd pay 4 times that, it's such a good investment.

good heart health is linked to good oral hygiene.

@ItsPrettyGoodReally what is BF please?