If you’ve struggled to get a dentist appointment recently, you’re not alone. One one in four people have tried and failed to get an NHS dentist appointment in the last two years, according to recent data. A perfect storm of high demand, a lack of available dentists and underfunding has led to a dental crisis in the UK, with many parts of the country now ‘dental deserts’, where 100% of dentists are no longer taking on new patients.

“With increasing pressure on the NHS and private dental services, securing a dentist appointment be a challenge, whether it’s due to long waiting lists or a shortage of available appointments,” says Miranda Pascucci, dental therapist for oral health brand TePe.

This worrying dental landscape has created a rise in people turning to A&E to help with problems with their teeth. Between April 2022 and May 2023, 70,000 adults in England were admitted to A&E with tooth decay.

In the face of these dental woes, it’s important we do what we can to take care of our gnashers. “It’s important to be aware that poor oral health can have a significant impact on your overall health. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes and respiratory infections have all been linked to gum disease,” says Pascucci. “Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and reduce the risk of developing dental issues that could worsen without professional care.”

We asked Pascucci how to create the best oral health routine possible to protect our teeth now and for the future. 

Brush twice daily

It’s a rule that’s been drilled into us since childhood, and brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes is one of the best things you can do for your teeth. “Use fluoride toothpaste” and “ensure you reach all surfaces of the teeth, being gentle but thorough, especially around the gum line,” says Pascucci.

Remember the gaps

Did you know that brushing with a toothbrush alone only cleans 60% of the tooth surface? “For a thorough clean, use dental floss, tape or interdental brushes,” says Pascucci. Ideally you should do this once a day to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth.

“Floss or tape is better for smaller gaps,” says Pascucci. “Interdental brushes are ideal for bigger spaces between the teeth and are available in a range of sizes.”

Don’t forget your tongue

Investing in a tongue cleaner can help remove bacteria from your mouth. “A tongue cleaner can quickly and safely remove bacteria from the surface of the tongue while reducing bad breath,” says Pascucci. Alternatively, just remember to brush your tongue gently at the end of your teeth cleaning.

Stay hydrated

Getting our allocated eight glasses of water a day has a host of health benefits from improving our digestion to our energy levels, but it can also do wonders for our teeth too.

“Drinking plenty of water throughout the day will help to wash away food particles and prevent your mouth from becoming dry,” says Pascucci. Around one in five people suffer with dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, which as well as being uncomfortable can also contribute to gum disease and bad breath. “To ease the discomfort of dry mouth, try using a specialised alcohol-free, fluoride-based mouthwash or mouth gel.”

Think about how you eat and drink sweet, acidic and fizzy treats

If you deal with tooth sensitivity, cavities or gum inflammation, it’s worth keeping an eye on your consumption of certain foods that can exacerbate dental issues.

“Keep sugary snacks and drinks to a minimum,” says Pascucci. “Sugar fuels the bacteria in your mouth, leading to the production of acids that can cause cavities.” She recommends trying to reduce how often you drink fizzy drinks and eat sweets and sugary cereal.  

Foods high in acid such as citrus fruits, tomatoes and vinegars can also erode tooth enamel and worsen sensitivity. “If you do eat something acidic, rinse your mouth with water afterwards and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.”

Hard, sticky foods like toffee and hard sweets can also crack weak teeth or dislodge fillings, and make cleaning teeth more difficult.

DIY dental work

Never take matters into your own hands if you have a problem with your teeth and you’re unable to see a dentist. “While it may be tempting, certain actions can cause more harm than good,” says Pascucci. “Trying to fix a dental issue on your own, such as using over-the-counter dental kits or online products, can be extremely risky. These products are often unregulated and may lead to further damage, infections, pain or tooth loss. Always wait for a professional to perform any necessary procedures.”

Ignoring symptoms

If you do have issues with your teeth including persistent toothache, swelling or bleeding gums “this is an emergency,” says Pascucci. In this case it’s important to visit a dental emergency service or seek advice from NHS 111.

Images: Getty