Keep your teeth and gums in tip-top condition with these oral hygiene must-haves
WORDS: ALI HORSFALL. PHOTO: GETTY
Best… electric toothbrush
Oral-B Pro 3 3500 Toothbrush, £45, Boots
Looking for an electric toothbrush that won’t break the bank?
Approved by dentists, this one promises to remove 100% more plaque than a manual brush, and for the price is an excellent pick. There are three cleaning modes, with a timer action so that you brush for the recommended two minutes and switch areas of your mouth every 30 seconds. You’ll also get an alert if you press too hard against your gums.
Best... dental floss
The Humble Co. Mint Dental Floss, £3.50, Holland & Barrett
If you’re not flossing daily, now’s the time to start, to help remove plaque and food from places your toothbrush can’t reach. To do the job, we love this non-shredding floss that has a plant-based wax coating. And don’t worry if your gums bleed or feel sore at first – this should stop once you floss regularly.
Best… breath spray
UltraDex Fresh Breath Spray, £3.50, Sainsbury’s
Nothing kills confidence quicker than worrying about the freshness of your breath. For those up-close-and-personal moments, keep this sugar-free spray in your bag – a quick spritz will help neutralise compounds in the mouth that cause nasty whiffs.
Best… tongue scraper
Dentek Orabrush Tongue Cleaner, £5.25, Boots
Is scraping your tongue part of your teeth-cleaning routine? If not, here’s a nifty tool for the task. Soft, pointy bristles reach deep into tongue crevices to loosen bacteria, and a built-in scraper removes the tongue coating that can cause bad breath. The easy-to-hold, long handle makes it a doddle to use.
Best… brightening toothpaste
Colgate Max White Ultra Active Foam, £9, Asda
Has your smile lost its shine? To clean, brighten and maintain healthy teeth, this non-abrasive paste lifts stains thanks to its rich foam formula containing smart oxygen molecules. You’ll notice a difference after just a few days of brushing.
Best… eco toothbrush
Dr Botanicals Bamboo Toothbrush, £7.99, drbotanicals.com
You may have moved on from a manual toothbrush, but they’re still a use
