One in three adults in the UK has tooth decay – here’s how you can maintain your oral health with a busy lifestyle
Dr Smita Mehra, BDS MFGDPRCS, Principal Dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practice, shares insights on how people with busy lifestyles can maintain their oral health.
A hectic schedule can often get in the way of everyday tasks that some consider menial, such as brushing or flossing teeth. However, neglecting these habits can significantly impact your oral health, increasing the risk of cavities, tooth decay, and other health issues.
If your schedule is overloaded and prevents you from maintaining essential hygiene habits – such as brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, or flossing – you may find yourself facing an unexpected dental appointment, further disrupting your busy routine.
To avoid unnecessary visits to the dentist and maintain a clean, healthy smile, here’s what you can do to ensure optimal oral hygiene.
Electric Toothbrush
An electric toothbrush can be a great time-saver for a busy lifestyle, ensuring your teeth are cleaned thoroughly with less time and effort compared to manual toothbrushes. The high-speed vibrations of the bristles help remove plaque more efficiently.
Most electric toothbrushes also come with built-in timers to ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes, this ensures you do not go over or under the advised time.
Fluoride Mouthwash and Toothpaste
Make sure you pair your electric toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
Fluoride is essential for remineralising teeth and can reverse early signs of tooth decay while preventing cavities. This is particularly important if your busy schedule has caused you to neglect your oral care routine.
Mouthwash provides quick fresh breath and an extra cleaning boost when brushing isn’t possible. However, it should never replace brushing – it is recommended to always use a fluoride-enriched mouthwash.
There are no strict rules on when to use mouthwash; some people prefer to rinse before brushing, while others use it after (though this can wash away fluoride). Another option is to wait to use mouthwash until you are about to leave your home, this gives time for the fluoride to settle into the teeth and quickly freshens your breath.
It’s important to avoid rinsing your mouth with water after brushing, as this can wash away fluoride. This is why some people choose to use mouthwash before brushing.
On-the-Go Amenities Pack
For those with busy schedules, keeping a travel-sized amenities kit with toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss picks, and mouthwash is highly recommended – especially for those with unpredictable routines.
This allows you to maintain oral hygiene on the go, particularly if you find yourself rushing out of the house every morning. Keep an amenities kit in your bag, car, or office.
Floss picks are easier and quicker to use than traditional floss, making flossing more convenient. They are small enough to carry with you and can be used one-handed, allowing you to multitask.
Xylitol Gum
It may come as a surprise, but sugar-free chewing gum – particularly gum sweetened with xylitol – can help reduce bacteria and acid production in the mouth, lowering the risk of cavities.
Studies have shown that xylitol can reduce acid production by up to 90% and prevent plaque from sticking to the teeth. Additionally, it increases saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and neutralises acids.
Xylitol chewing gum is a great alternative when brushing after meals isn’t an option, but it should never replace regular tooth brushing.
Reduce Sugary Snacking
If you struggle with poor oral hygiene due to a hectic lifestyle, you may also be consuming more unhealthy and sugary foods and drinks. These can significantly increase the risk of cavities, especially if you are not brushing regularly.
Try opting for tooth-friendly snacks such as nuts, cheese, or crunchy vegetables. These foods have a lower impact on your teeth, and the texture of crunchy vegetables and fruits can even help keep them clean.
Hydration
Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water boosts saliva production, which helps prevent dry mouth—one of the main causes of bad breath and tooth decay.
Drinking water also helps wash away food particles and bacteria between brushes and reduces the effects of acidic and staining beverages like coffee and fizzy drinks.
Scheduled Dentist Appointments
To prevent unexpected dental issues, schedule regular check-ups in your calendar. This ensures small problems are caught early before they develop into more serious conditions.
During these appointments, you can also request a professional cleaning to remove plaque buildup that daily brushing might miss.
Implementing healthy habits is key to keeping your teeth clean, healthy, and cavity-free. These simple tools and practices can help even the busiest individuals maintain good oral hygiene with minimal time investment.