From expensive toothbrushes to tongue scraping, whitening strips and water flossers, microbiome friendly lozenges and mouthwashes, oral care is becoming increasingly sophisticated and entwined with our beauty routines.

It’s a far cry from what I experienced growing up. I lost a lot of teeth in my childhood, as it was simply cheaper to remove them than repair them with fillings or other methods, so I’m currently on my own dental health journey.

To be honest, my teeth never really bothered me until I started working in the beauty industry where everyone seems to have the perfect smile. I became really self conscious, especially when smiling for photographs. I also have some dental anxiety due to mobile dentists who used to call to schools in a little caravan – I’m still traumatised!

One tip I did pick up in my childhood is clove oil – my mother used it for toothaches and it was so effective I still keep it on me at all times, such is the fear of having a toothache. I also eat cheese after a meal as it may help protect your teeth by stimulating saliva production and helping to neutralise acids in the mouth. On the rare occasions I drink fizzy drinks, I use a straw to minimise contact between the acidic liquid and my teeth, helping to protect my enamel from erosion.

Chewing sugar-free gum is another weapon in my arsenal. It stimulates saliva production, helping to neutralise acids in the mouth and protect against tooth decay.

When it comes to the Irish population, a recent nationally representative survey by oral healthcare brand TePe found that 50.4% of Irish adults use interdental brushes or dental floss, while just 39% opt for an electric toothbrush. Almost a third (32%) of us use toothpicks, with tongue scrapers (14%) and water flossers (11%) less popular choices.

An electric toothbrush from Spotlight Oral CareAn electric toothbrush from Spotlight Oral Care

But which elements genuinely deserve a place in our daily or weekly routines? I asked Dr Vanessa Creaven, dentist and founder of Spotlight Oral Care for her thoughts.

“Oral care in recent years has gone through the same shift skincare went through a decade ago,” Dr Creaven says.

“People see their teeth and mouth as part of their appearance and health. People are investing in their oral health with the rise of invisalign, whitening treatments, composite bonding and investing in sonic toothbrush technology and targeted toothpastes with real active ingredients. But more steps doesn’t necessarily means better results.”

The dentist-approved routine that works?

“Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste using a sonic toothbrush. Spit rather than rinse afterwards.

“Floss your teeth once daily with traditional floss or a water flosser, and see your dentist and hygienist regularly for checkups and professional cleans.”

Dr Creaven also advises investing in great “targeted products” that actually solve the problem you are having, such as a toothpaste designed specifically for sensitivity if that is an issue you experience.

Why oral health is so important?

Our oral health is closely linked to our overall health. Oral thrush is a fungal infection that can have several underlying causes. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, but research also suggests that gum disease may have implications beyond the mouth.

Scientists are also investigating links between porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium associated with gum disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The bacterium produces proteins called gingipains, which have been shown to damage cells in laboratory studies, though more research is needed to establish whether gum disease contributes directly to the development of Alzheimer’s.

My dental routine

My toothbrush of choice is Spotlight Oral Care’s Classic Sonic toothbrush, RRP €70. I also use TePe interdental brushes, available in a wide selection of sixes.

I also love these extras:

1. Clinsept+ Dental Mouthwash

Clinsept+ Dental MouthwashClinsept+ Dental Mouthwash

Developed in conjunction with dentists, this cleanses and deodorises to keep the mouth, teeth, gums and breath fresh, clean and healthy. It has been specifically formulated to provide antimicrobial protection against the harmful bacteria that causes gum disease and tooth decay, but without stinging or causing irritation.

It contains no chlorhexidine, no alcohol and no artificial colouring or flavouring. It’s clinically proven to be safe for use on sensitive mouth and gums.

2. Udo’s Choice Super 5 Microbiotics Lozenges

Udo’s Choice Super 5 Microbiotics LozengesUdo’s Choice Super 5 Microbiotics Lozenges

These are designed to dissolve in the mouth to work on not just gum disease, but oral thrush, mouth ulcers and bleeding gums. They contain the strain lactobacillus salivarius which is a particularly useful strain for oral health.

3. Burst Expanding Floss

Burst Expanding FlossBurst Expanding Floss

I love this floss. It’s black so you can really see what you’re removing (so satisfying!) and it expands to grab the debris that others miss. I also love the mint eucalyptus scent.

€5.95 Meaghers Pharmacy

4. Burst Whitening Breath Strips

Burst Whitening Breath StripsBurst Whitening Breath Strips

These are perfect for on-the-go. They dissolve in minutes, making them ideal for a quick refresh between afternoon meetings or before a night out. The instant burst of Polar Mint ensures your breath stays fresh without the hassle of a bathroom sink – genius.

€6.30 Meaghers pharmacy

Prices correct at time of print but subject to change