The year is just racing by, with Halloween over for another year, we can now look forward to more festivities in the coming months. Bonfire Night, Christmas Markets, Light Switch Ons, and all the Christmas goodness this time of year brings. But let’s not forget with all that comes more sweet treats, more chocolate selection boxes and a higher chance of dreaded cavities. That’s why it’s no coincidence that National Brush your teeth Day is celebrated annually on November 1st to provide greater awareness of proper brushing habits.
Who invented the Toothbrush?
Let’s rewind it back to 1780 when William Addis designed the first mass-produced toothbrush in England, which is the more modern toothbrush we know and use today. Since then, toothbrushes have come a long way, now with built in sensors and smart technology to help aid better oral hygiene habits. While the essential function of the toothbrush has stayed the same over the years, the 21st century is looking to embrace technology and redefine what the “toothbrush” can do. You can read more about this here.
Oral Health Facts for you to Digest
• In 2022, consumer spending on sugar, confectionary and ice-cream in the UK amounted to 13.41 billion pounds.
• The most demand for dental appointments is during the months of December and January
• Best for your Teeth: No sweets at all are obviously the right answer for this but we’d be a hypocrite if we didn’t admit we all have a sweet tooth now and again. Dark chocolate is the best for your teeth by a wide margin.
• Worst for your Teeth: Anything Sticky. The stickier the sweet treat, the worse it is. The effects of these sticky sweets will linger, increasing the chance for a cavity. You can read more about this here.
Timing Matters: The Right Time to Indulge
Choosing the right time to indulge in sweet treats can make all the difference to your oral health. I spoke with one of our dental experts who advises “make small changes to your snacking habits, i.e. it’s better to snack and have sweets during or shortly after eating a meal instead of constantly snacking in smaller portions throughout the day. By minimising your exposure to sugary acids in your mouth, you are actively reducing the risk of cavities. It can also help to brush your teeth after eating to prevent the sugar from sitting too long on your teeth.”
Thinking Ahead for Christmas Present Ideas?
With Christmas just around the corner. Why not purchase a new electric toothbrush for yourself or a family member? Research has shown that electric toothbrushes are better at removing dental plaque and preventing gum disease than manual toothbrushes. Still unsure? You can read more in our “Ask a Dentist: Are Electric Toothbrushes better than manual toothbrushes” series.
If you have been keeping up with your dental appointments and maintaining good oral health, but you’ve still experienced poor dental care at the hands of your dentist – You can contact Dental Law, request a callback here. We’ll do whatever it takes to secure the compensation you deserve.
We are the UK’s leading specialist dental negligence solicitors providing high quality representation for clients who have received poor treatment from their dentist. But don’t just take our word for it, you can read our successful client stories on our Testimonials page here.