What does “healthy teeth” mean to you?

They are one of the first things people notice about us – our teeth.

No self-respecting celebrity would be seen without a sparkling set, and advances in dental technology mean there is now no reason why yours shouldn’t dazzle too.  We all want healthy teeth.

But there’s a daunting array of options on the market – from implants to braces and bleaching. And knowing how to care for our teeth isn’t always easy. Conflicting advice can be confusing and lead to costly and painful mistakes.

So read our essential guide to everything you need to do to make your teeth look and last better than ever – and you need never again dread that visit to the dentist…

Healthy teeth equal a healthy smile  – That starts at home!

Looking after your teeth at home and preventing dental problems is about to become more important than ever – because soon your dentist might refuse to help you until you prove you are prepared to help yourself.

The new NHS Dental Contract being piloted by the NHS, and soon to be rolled out across Britain, has a traffic-light system at its core, which will see patients given a green, amber  or red notice on the condition of their mouth. Patients flagged as red can be refused advanced treatment such as crowns, or even fillings, until they have improved their oral health.

It seems utterly obvious, but much of this can be achieved simply with regular brushing – and good technique.

Dentist Anthony Zybutz, from TDC Implant Centre, says everyone should brush for two minutes every morning and evening.

‘Many electric brushes now automatically switch off after this time, but if you brush manually, then use your watch, phone or even an egg-timer to make sure,’ he says. ‘It  feels like a long time but it makes all the difference. The toothbrush head should be half on the tooth and half on the gum. Scrubbing too hard can actually damage the gums so it should never feel sore – gently does it!’