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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
From celeb mouthwash to classic salt toothpaste – my smile-saving heroes for National Smile Month
WHY do we have so many awareness days, weeks and months? Some of them seem utterly ridiculous. The health related ones, though, are a good idea. It is National Smile Month. One in three adults have And I've put some products to the test to help you smile . . . MOUTHWASH 3 TV presenter Rylan Clark has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken Credit: Supplied IF ever there was a man who says 'teeth' it is TV presenter Rylan Clark – his are gleaming! And he has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken. I am not always keen on products pushed by celebs, but Rylan believes in Waken and has invested in it. I like it too. I love their whitening toothpaste and the Waken Advanced Care Mouthwash. It is made with natural peppermint, strengthens enamel with fluoride, and comes in a recycled bottle. This is alcohol free and a 500ml bottle costs £5. The company has just started selling in major supermarkets. See CHEWING GUM 3 Peppersmith contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation Credit: Supplied I CHEW so much gum I could put a cow to shame – but not all gums are good for you thanks to the sweeteners, sugar and chemicals in them. But some do have health benefits . Peppersmith is one such example. It contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation. Most read in Health Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals, is scientifically proven to reduce cavities, neutralise harmful acids, and keep breath fresh. Xylitol is a natural sugar alternative that bacteria cannot digest, meaning it actively fights tooth decay. Dentist explains risks of 'Turkey teeth' and other dentistry abroad It also helps to strengthen enamel – unlike sugary mints and gum that mask bad breath and contribute to cavities. The gum comes in mint, lemon and strawberry flavours. I wasn't keen on the fruity ones – but the mint is great and is £1.35 for 15g at Sainsbury's. See TOOTHPASTE 3 This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water Credit: Supplied SALT toothpaste made by Weleda has been around for more than 100 years, but has soared into the brand's list of bestsellers in the last two years. That's because it is a chemical-free, eco-friendly toothpaste popular with those looking to avoid additives – there are no detergents, bleaches, foam boosters or optical brighteners in the product. No fluoride either – some people are worried that too much can lead to dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis, which can damage bones and joints. While rare, fluorosis is a factor. This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This helps to promote healing in the mouth, and to ease ulcers, cuts and sore patches. Read more on the Irish Sun It is totally free from See
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
From celeb mouthwash to classic salt toothpaste – my smile-saving heroes for National Smile Month
Read on to find out why all chewing gum is not equal, when it comes to oral health TRIED & TESTED From celeb mouthwash to classic salt toothpaste – my smile-saving heroes for National Smile Month Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHY do we have so many awareness days, weeks and months? Some of them seem utterly ridiculous. The health related ones, though, are a good idea. It is National Smile Month. One in three adults have tooth decay, so this campaign promotes eating less sugar and processed food, drinking more water and visiting the dentist. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up And I've put some products to the test to help you smile . . . MOUTHWASH 3 TV presenter Rylan Clark has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken Credit: Supplied IF ever there was a man who says 'teeth' it is TV presenter Rylan Clark – his are gleaming! And he has teamed up with British oral care brand Waken. I am not always keen on products pushed by celebs, but Rylan believes in Waken and has invested in it. I like it too. I love their whitening toothpaste and the Waken Advanced Care Mouthwash. It is made with natural peppermint, strengthens enamel with fluoride, and comes in a recycled bottle. This is alcohol free and a 500ml bottle costs £5. The company has just started selling in major supermarkets. See CHEWING GUM 3 Peppersmith contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation Credit: Supplied I CHEW so much gum I could put a cow to shame – but not all gums are good for you thanks to the sweeteners, sugar and chemicals in them. But some do have health benefits. Peppersmith is one such example. It contains the plant-based sweetener xylitol and is approved by the Oral Health Foundation. Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals, is scientifically proven to reduce cavities, neutralise harmful acids, and keep breath fresh. Xylitol is a natural sugar alternative that bacteria cannot digest, meaning it actively fights tooth decay. Dentist explains risks of 'Turkey teeth' and other dentistry abroad It also helps to strengthen enamel – unlike sugary mints and gum that mask bad breath and contribute to cavities. The gum comes in mint, lemon and strawberry flavours. I wasn't keen on the fruity ones – but the mint is great and is £1.35 for 15g at Sainsbury's. See TOOTHPASTE 3 This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water Credit: Supplied SALT toothpaste made by Weleda has been around for more than 100 years, but has soared into the brand's list of bestsellers in the last two years. That's because it is a chemical-free, eco-friendly toothpaste popular with those looking to avoid additives – there are no detergents, bleaches, foam boosters or optical brighteners in the product. No fluoride either – some people are worried that too much can lead to dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis, which can damage bones and joints. While rare, fluorosis is a factor. This toothpaste uses sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This helps to promote healing in the mouth, and to ease ulcers, cuts and sore patches. It is totally free from microplastics too. It tastes like bicarbonate of soda but my mouth felt really fresh after using. I liked it. It's priced at £5.95 for 75ml. See
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Millions of Britons putting teeth at risk by bingeing on sugary treats after dinner and failing to brush before bed, dentists warn
Millions of Britons are putting their teeth at risk by bingeing on sugary treats after dinner and failing to brush before bed, dentists warn. One in three adults (33 per cent) admit to snacking every night, with more than two in three (68 per cent) opting for the likes of chocolates, sweets and biscuits. Meanwhile, almost half (47 per cent) go to sleep without brushing their teeth at least once a week, allowing sugar and bacteria to damage their gnashers overnight. The Oral Health Foundation said this 'dangerous double habit' could lead to a rise in tooth decay and gum disease. Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the charity, said: 'These figures are a real wake-up call – the UK is becoming a nation of late-night snackers, and it's our teeth that are paying the price. 'Snacking on sugary treats every night and then skipping brushing before bed is a recipe for disaster. 'When you don't brush, sugar and bacteria stay on your teeth all night, producing acids that eat away at the enamel. 'Over time, this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. 'Essentially, you're giving harmful bacteria free rein to damage your mouth while you sleep.' The Foundation's study suggests up to 26 million British adults are tucking into sugary treats after dinner at least three times a week. And it is young adults who are the worst offenders. More than four-in-five (86 per cent) 18-to-24-year-olds admit to snacking at night, with most (81 per cent) reaching for sugar-packed treats. Young people are also the most likely to skip brushing their teeth before bed. Nearly half (43 per cent) say they miss the night time brush a few times a week – well above the national average of around one-in-three (36 per cent). Dr Carter suggests patients should avoid snacking after an evening meal whenever possible. He added: 'If you do choose to snack, pick options that won't harm your teeth. 'Savoury choices like cheese, nuts, or breadsticks are much better for your oral health. 'Save sugary treats for mealtimes and always remember – brushing your teeth before bed is essential. It's your last line of defence against tooth decay.' The Oral Health Foundation, which describes itself as the the leading national charity working to improve oral health, advises cleaning with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day and cutting down on sugary food and drinks. It comes as public satisfaction with NHS dentistry is at an all-time low, with many people struggling to secure an appointment and having to resort to pulling out their own teeth at home.
Telegraph
02-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Why you should only spend £2 on toothpaste
In my local pharmacy, there are 20 different types of toothpaste available, spread over five shelves. It used to be that I'd simply choose between just white or stripey, but now products that promise gum repair, clinical whitening and 24-hour protection jostle for space – often with eye-watering price tags of up to £16. 'There's been an explosion in different types of toothpaste in the UK in recent years,' confirms Nicola Innes, professor of paediatric dentistry, honorary consultant and head of Cardiff Dental School. Advances in oral research over the past few decades have allowed manufacturers to add in extra ingredients to tackle common dental problems like sensitivity, discolouration and gum disease. Meanwhile, consumers are desperate to seek out the toothpaste that will keep their pearly whites in tip-top condition amid a crisis in dentistry. Just four in 10 adults in England have seen their dentist in the past two years. A lack of dentists providing NHS care (creating 'dental deserts' across the country) and the cost to see one privately (where check-ups cost £75, on average) have been blamed for Britain's declining oral health, making it more important than ever that your toothpaste is working hard to protect your teeth. But how can we pick the best paste while avoiding paying a premium purely for some clever marketing? Here, the experts help to decode them. The pros and cons of cheap toothpaste Best for: All-round cleaning and protection against tooth decay Fluoride is the most important ingredient in toothpaste. While the physical action of brushing removes plaque, preventing gum disease, fluoride is a natural mineral that makes the enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) stronger and more resistant to decay, explains Karen Coates, a registered dental nurse and Oral Health Foundation spokesman. 'As long as the toothpaste contains the optimum level of fluoride, it will offer protection against dental decay and help to strengthen the enamel,' no matter how cheap it is, she says. The ideal level of fluoride is 1,350 to 1,500ppm (parts per million) for everyone except under-threes, who only need 1,000ppm, Coates says. There are toothpastes available for £1 that contain 1,450ppm fluoride, meaning that it's simple to look after your teeth on a budget. You can check the level of fluoride in your toothpaste on the ingredients list and it is usually written on the packaging as ppmF. However, cheap toothpastes usually don't contain extra ingredients to tackle common problems like sensitivity or discolouration. Does whitening toothpaste work? Best for: Improving the appearance of stains caused by tea, coffee or red wine No matter how grand the promise is of whitening toothpaste, it will not make the natural colour of your teeth any whiter, says Coates. 'At best, they may help to remove staining from tea, coffee, red wine and smoking,' she says. This is because the legal limit for over-the-counter tooth whitening products in the UK is 0.01 hydrogen peroxide, which is not enough to alter the natural hue of teeth, Coates notes. A whitening toothpaste will clean teeth as well as other toothpastes, providing it has enough fluoride in it but the downside is that it can give people 'unrealistic expectations', she says. Whitening toothpastes may also remove some of the tooth enamel over time because most of them work by removing stains through abrasiveness, Innes explains. Additionally, some whitening toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS).'This is the foaming agent in toothpaste and some people, especially those with a dry mouth or some other oral conditions, may find that this ingredient can make their mouth sore,' Coates says. 'If you do find that your toothpaste is causing irritation, it may be worth finding a toothpaste that does not contain SLS.' Check the back of the packet to see if a toothpaste contains this ingredient. Ultimately, if you want whiter teeth, it's best to ask your dentist whether it's possible to use whitening toothpaste without causing damage and what other treatments might be available. Is luxury toothpaste worth the cash? Pricey toothpastes promise a brighter, healthier and more radiant smile but the high-end packaging is often a marketing ploy, Innes says. However, they may contain some extra ingredients compared with a bog standard tube. 'The reason they may be more expensive is that they contain abrasives in them, like silicates or calcium carbonates that are designed to actually clean the teeth, rather than just relying on the bristles on your toothbrush,' she says. 'But abrasives can cause damage to the teeth too, eventually. We do find people with tooth wear from overzealous brushing with abrasive toothpastes.' Some pricey toothpastes may contain chemicals that are like hydroxyapatite – a really hard substance that your teeth are made out of. 'They may be called things like bio repair or bio fill,' Innes says. The idea is that hydroxyapatites are used to repair tiny microscopic holes in the teeth, instead of fluoride which fills them in. 'Lab studies show that these toothpastes can fill in some of the enamel to a little extent,' she says. 'It doesn't look like it's more effective than fluoride.' 'Again, look at the fluoride level of the toothpaste,' Coates urges. 'Do not be tempted to use a non-fluoride toothpaste, as you will not be getting the protection against tooth decay.' When to use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth Best for: Easing discomfort caused by hot, cold, sweet or sour food and drinks Teeth sensitivity is caused by bacteria in the mouth making acid which attacks the tooth's surface, creating micro holes that go down to the nerve, causing sensitivity and pain, Innes explains. Teeth sensitivity to cold, like ice in drinks, can also be caused when the root of the tooth becomes exposed, which gives a pathway to the nerve, resulting in sensitivity and pain, she continues. If you have these symptoms, it's important to see your dentist, in case it's tooth decay causing the pain. 'Sensitive toothpastes include either potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which work by forming crystals in the tooth to block holes,' Innes says. While these ingredients don't fill the holes permanently, twice-a-day use is sufficient to ease symptoms. 'This means you need to use a de-sensitising toothpaste continuously for the effect to last,' Coates notes. 'If you stop using it, the sensitivity comes back.' To slow the erosion of enamel, which will worsen sensitivity, choose a toothpaste with low relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) which is classed as 0 to 70, she recommends. Toothpastes with an RDA of 70 to 100 are considered medium abrasive and suitable for daily use, while a rating of more than 100 is highly abrasive and may not be best to use daily, Coates says. Does 'eco toothpaste' work? Eco and alternative toothpastes, which may state 'organic' on the packaging, often don't contain fluoride. They can include ingredients like coconut and peppermint oil. 'Many of these toothpastes are non-fluoride,' Coates notes. 'We do not recommend using a toothpaste that does not use the optimum level of fluoride.' 'If a toothpaste is 'eco' because of the packaging, that would be brilliant. But if it's 'eco' because it's avoiding fluoride then it will be less effective at protecting your teeth from decay,' Innes says. What's the point of tooth powder? Best for: There's no research on the effectiveness of powder toothpastes Powder toothpastes contain many of the same ingredients as regular toothpastes but tend to leave out thickeners and humectants (moisture-retaining ingredients that help keep toothpaste from drying out). They're not as available in stores but there are dozens online. However, they may not be the best for our teeth. 'Some powder toothpaste can be more abrasive [than standard toothpaste] and if used regularly could lead to enamel erosion,' Coates warns. They may also be a breeding ground for bacteria. 'If you're dipping your toothbrush repeatedly into a powder, it may not be very hygienic,' Innes notes. Dentist recommendation 'I wouldn't recommend tooth powders,' Bansal says. They are harder to use in the correct doses, unlike toothpaste (which should be a pea-sized amount) and toothpaste tablets, he says. 'They may not be best thing to have in a shared household, as this could lead to cross-contamination of brushes and powder,' Bansal adds. Should I use an anti-bacterial or anti-tartar toothpaste? Anti-bacterial and anti-tartar toothpastes contain ingredients, such as chlorhexidine, to help combat gum disease, including swollen, bleeding gums and bad breath, Coates explains. 'These are especially useful for anyone who experiences these symptoms or has been diagnosed with gum disease by their dentist or hygienist,' she says. However, chlorhexidine can also stain the teeth which causes problems with appearance, Innes notes. Expert verdict 'I would advise people to use the toothpaste that has 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride, is within their budget and that they like the taste of,' Innes says. 'The most important thing is for the toothpaste to be used twice a day for two minutes.' 'Any toothpaste that contains the optimum level of fluoride for protection against tooth decay in children and adults and is low-abrasive to prevent enamel erosion,' Coates adds.
