Did you know that the inside of your mouth contains nearly as much bacteria as there are people on earth? Or, that smiling may well help you live longer? And have you ever thought about just how important your mouth is? Nearly everything good or bad for you enters your body here, so it’s vital to take maximum care of your teeth and gums to ensure a better approach to your health as a whole.

A recent report by the Metro that references a recent survey on our lockdown hygiene habits reveals “nearly a quarter of us are no longer brushing our teeth twice a day since the arrival of Covid-19.” Moreover, “11% of those surveyed said there are days when they don’t brush their teeth at all”.

It seems that lockdown has gotten in the way of our oral healthcare, be that through less social interaction with friends and family, working from home and not bothering to get ready for the day properly, and dental practices not offering business as usual. We also reckon social distancing and wearing facemasks have made us laxer in our dental hygiene habits. After all, we don’t get close enough for anyone to smell our breath and masks are like a shield so no-one can tell if you’ve brushed your teeth yet this morning – right?

If this sounds all too familiar and you’re keen to adopt the best dental practice possible and keep your teeth, gums and mouth health in check this lockdown, then read on; here are 7 tips for maintaining healthy oral hygiene. 

CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH REGULARLY

Proper brushing, for a two minute minimum, following the consumption, in particular, of starchy and sugary food items is essential for good oral hygiene. We know this.

But did you know that experts recommend you should change your toothbrush every three months, or earlier should signs of wear and tear, such as the bristles being frayed, be evident. If you continue your dental hygiene routine with a worn-down brush, you won’t be brushing effectively or, worse, you could do damage to your gums.

If you’re looking to upgrade your oral hygiene routine, consider an electric toothbrush. Many dentists extol the virtues of an electrified toothbrush one over a humble, manual one, and that’s great, but it still requires regular, attentive use. As orthodontist Dr. Reynolds tells Good Housekeeping “An electric toothbrush isn’t a magic wand. It still requires morning and night use — with around 2 minutes of brushing time — to be effective.” 

DIET SMARTS

There are some ingredients and beverages whose regular consumption leads to discolouration of teeth. Wine, tea, and coffee can be particularly staining, with smoking and chewing tobacco two bad habits that cause staining and yellowing of teeth, too.  

Generally, this is purely aesthetic, however. If you’re looking to avoid certain foods which lead to actual tooth decay, then it’s important that you cut down your sugar intake, in particular. Be aware that the Government recommends that ‘free sugars’ should only take up a maximum of 5% of your daily calories – that’s the equivalent of 7 sugar cubes. To put things in perspective, a can of Coke contains 9.

CUT DOWN ON YOUR FIZZ INTAKE

Speaking of fizz, though the mind immediately thinks of champagne, it’s not the only fizz which can be damaging to your teeth. In fact, the majority of carbonated drinks are a big enemy of oral hygiene. Citric acid and phosphoric acid present in colas cause harm to your teeth through the degradation of the layer of enamel present over the surface of your teeth. 

Make sure to cut down your consumption of sodas and colas, as well as alcohol with bubbles, to ensure the continued health of your teeth and gums.

PRIORITISE FOOD WHICH IS GOOD FOR YOUR ORAL HYGIENE

Hey, this thing isn’t only about self-denial and asceticism. The good news is that there are things you can consume which have a positive impact on your gnashers, too.

Milk and products derived from milk are considered good for your teeth as they are rich in calcium and phosphates. You can hope to preserve and even add to the layer of enamel over your teeth by consuming these food items. Green vegetables, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre can also help fighting gum diseases and cavities. Finally, increased consumption of seafood and cereals is recommended; the rich fluoride content of shellfish, in particular, can contribute to healthy teeth and gums.

PAY A VISIT TO YOUR DENTIST EVERY FEW MONTHS

Most people visit a dentist only when there is a problem with their teeth or they are suffering from gum disease. But prevention is better than cure, and if you’re looking to maintain that pearly white smile, then you need to visit your dentist every few months to get your teeth and oral hygiene closely examined by a professional. They can identify any issues, nip them in the bud, and also advise you on good future dental hygiene methods.

FLOSS DAILY

Flossing is a technique so often overlooked, but it’s immensely important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, breaking up plaque built on the surface of teeth, as well as dislodging any build ups between them. Some of these areas aren’t reachable by brushing alone. 

Ffood and plaque does build up in between your teeth every time you eat and over time this can develop into tartar. This would result in widening the gap between your teeth and the space between your teeth and gums, loosening your teeth themselves.

You should exercise good oral care by flossing with waxed or unwaxed floss and consult your dentist or dental hygienist for the appropriate use of a dental floss to get the most out of it. For extra freshness, consider two pack metal tongue scrapers for sale online – scoring a bargain and getting your bathroom cabinet stocked up… What’s not to love?

OIL PULLING

This is an old Ayurvedic practice of teeth cleaning where 1-2 teaspoonful of coconut oil is taken side the mouth and swished around like a mouthwash. The oil is, then, kept inside for 10-15 minutes and then spat out. This method is believed to get rid of bacteria and toxins from your mouth to make your teeth whiter and shinier. Wow!

If you’re here because of more aesthetic concerns, then check out these 7 factors to consider when choosing a teeth whitening product.

We’re sure that we don’t have to tell you twice; your whole world changes when you have a baby. You’ve got this incredible (and often exhausting) new responsibility and you’ll want to do everything you can to protect and love your child. 

Though of course a parents’ instinct and intuition are invaluable in the early months, a little advice from the experts is always useful, too, for reassurance and guidance. With that in mind, here are 5 more ways to ensure your baby is happy, healthy and loved in their first few months. 

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS 

We all know how little sleep new parents get. So little, in fact, that we imagine that if this wasn’t such an invigorating read, you might have dropped off by now…

Hey, you! Back in the room….

Though a fragmented night’s sleep is part and parcel of being a new parent, experts suggest that it’s vital you try and sleep while the baby sleeps, enabling you to catch up on some lost zeds; you need to look after yourself so you can look after them, after all. is

To ensure your baby doesn’t wake up from throwing their covers off, throwing all your hard work at getting them down out of the window, too, an organic baby sleeping bag is a game changer, as they come in different thicknesses to suit the seasons. These bags can help reassure some of the temperature issues concerning your baby’s bedding, allowing you both to get the rest you need.

HEALTHY FOOD HABITS

Making sure you are feeding your baby everything it needs is, of course, a must for their wellbeing. For the first six months, you will be using breast milk or quality baby formula before introducing solid foods.

It’s important to remember that, initially, how much they eat is less important, and it’s more about simply getting them used to eating. Slowly introducing your baby to new foods and a variety of vitamins and fibre helps them learn healthy eating habits which they’ll use for life.

TOYS AND GAMES 

The more you interact with your baby, the more you’ll be helping them learn in the future and develop into a well-rounded person later down the line. Toys and games are a great way to do this, and you can both enjoy them (hey, there’s no shame in admitting you love chewing on Sophie the Giraffe, too). 

Games that involve hands are simple but effective, as you are engaging with your baby, keeping their attention, and encouraging them to physically interact with their surroundings. They’ll learn valuable lessons about touch, being tactile, dexterity and balance, even at their young age. It’s amazing when you think about it!

BONDING 

There’s nothing quite like the sacred connection between a parent and their child. Most feel an implausibly strong bond with their baby even before they’ve given birth. That said, there’s no shame if you don’t feel that connection straight away; give yourself time and don’t put pressure on yourself. The more you care for your child, the more your bond will grow. Get skin-to-skin contact as soon as you can; cuddles, smiling, and eye contact are also important and hugely meaningful for both parent and the little one. 

READING 

Even before a baby can speak, they’ll enjoy hearing you read to them. From an early age, it gives them a feel for language, enabling them to understand and respond to different pitches and get a sense of the rhythm of language, too. 

What’s more, and most importantly, it’s how they pick up language in the first place. As such, reading can help you both bond, will develop emotional wellbeing and get your baby moving on the road to speaking. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Your time with your newborn is so special and will go unbelievably fast; cherish every moment! 

If you’re working from home while raising your newborn, then do consider these 6 tips for balancing your business and your baby for some useful insights into how to do both as effectively as possible.

In recent years it’s been called a silent killer and an epidemic, with Science Daily reporting that ‘’social isolation and loneliness could be a greater public threat than obesity’’.

Here in the UK, it’s an issue which is particularly concerning for the elderly. The facts are, frankly, heartbreaking; the Campaign to End Loneliness estimate that over 500’000 older people go at least six days a week without speaking to anyone at all, with two fifths of all older people (nearly 4 million) saying that the TV is their main source of companionship.

As well as the obvious impact on wellbeing, this so-called loneliness epidemic can also lead to significant health issues, too, linked with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure, as well as a greater danger of cognitive decline and dementia, and in severe cases, early mortality.

But how can you help elderly loved ones during what has been a uniquely trying time, particularly if they’re expecting to be shielding for the foreseeable future? Whilst there’s no doubt it’s a fine balancing act between keeping your distance and maintaining a level of intimacy, here are a few ideas which might help; our 6 ways to remotely support elderly loved ones who are feeling lonely.

ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE OF LONELINESS OUT LOUD

It takes courage to admit that you’re lonely and missing companionship, and sometimes, an elderly loved one will be reticent to admit that they’re struggling, particularly if they once played a role of responsibility and seniority in your life. But acknowledging the presence of loneliness is the first step to remedying it, so be brave and raise the subject in a gentle, compassionate way. 

Ask if your elderly loved one has been hearing from their friends as much recently, or if they receive calls from family as regularly as they’d like. Be alert to changes in behaviour and appearance which might indicate a worsening situation of isolation; if they’re shutting themselves off, taking less pride in their appearance or not eating properly, it could be signs of a low mood or depression developing.

According to a report published in 2017 by the NHS titled ‘Mental Health in Older People’, ‘’Nearly three-quarters of older people (72 per cent) think that having more opportunities to connect with other people (e.g. joining local activity groups) would be the best way to help people who are experiencing mental health problems’’.

Once the issue is acknowledged, you can help facilitate these connections, how best to do so we’ll get onto a little later.

PROFESSIONAL HELP IS OUT THERE

Loneliness and low mood in the elderly are often linked, so whilst it’s important to offer companionship to elderly loved ones, it’s also important to steer them in the direction of professional help if that’s required.

There’s a danger that low mood and depression can sometimes be misconceived as primarily a young person’s problem…and it’s certainly true that the stiff upper lip of a certain generation means discussing such feelings frankly and openly can be tough for all concerned. Depression and low mood were once seen as a weakness, and carried a level of stigma which could represent a barrier to getting help still to this day.

But according to the Mental Health Foundation, it’s a worryingly prevalent issue in older generations. They say that ‘’Depression affects around 22% of men and 28% of women aged 65 years and over, yet it is estimated that 85% of older people with depression receive no help at all from the NHS’’. 

The NHS recommend that ‘’As well as having opportunities to connect with other people, more than a third (35 per cent) felt that talking therapy such as counselling would best help older people with anxiety and depression.’’ 

The experts particularly encourage counselling and other talking therapies, saying that ‘‘Research has found older people respond extremely well to talking therapies; the recovery rates for patients aged over 65 years of age who completed a course of talking therapy through the Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies programme (IAPT) were shown to be positive’’.

Talking therapies can be found through the NHS via IAPT, or if your elderly loved one is struggling with social anxiety, in particular, which is causing reticence and withdrawal, then group therapy might help once social distancing rules are loosened in the coming months. Such sessions are facilitated by a trained professional and are often specifically populated with like-minded (and like-aged!) people from the community. Click here to read more about how group therapy can help social anxiety for an insight.

BE ALERT TO PARTICULAR OCCASIONS & TIMES OF YEAR 

There will likely be particular times of year, holidays and occasions which might be especially tough for an elderly person who is suffering from loneliness. Some of these will be universal, such as Christmas or Easter, and some will be deeply personal, such as the anniversary of the death of a loved one. 

These can represent distinctly trying occasions for an elderly relative who is isolated or alone, having to shield or be kept apart from the majority of their family, so be alert to these times and when they’re approaching on the calendar. Even if you can’t be with your loved one in person, make sure you make yourself available for compassionate, considerate communication remotely, on the phone or via video call. Which brings us to…

FACILITATE (OR GIVE) SOME BASIC COMPUTER LITERACY TRAINING

So much socialising has moved online lately, due to the ongoing restrictions demanded of us by the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, this has tended to ostracise those who aren’t conversant in Zoom, FaceTime, texting and social media. 

Helping an elderly loved one gain confidence in computers and the internet is one of the best ways you can help them combat loneliness from afar; sure, it might be particularly trying conducting a lesson over the phone, but once they have a grasp of social media and how to video call and message, a whole new channel of socialising will have been opened up.

The UK’s largest charity for older people, Age UK, also offer free training courses in computer literacy for the elderly. Once restrictions are lifted and a level of human contact is once again permitted, do check out their dedicated website and find out if your nearest Age UK offers training courses. 

HAVE A PREDICTABLE ROUTINE OF CONTACT

Having a scheduled routine of contact between the two of you can provide real comfort and reassurance for those suffering from loneliness. The wonders of modern technology have made channels of communication so versatile and convenient that calls and messages are often made at the last minute and impromptu. 

But for those with less confidence in making video calls and sending texts, this random nature of contact can be frustrating and stressful. Endeavour to establish a routine for your communications with an elderly loved one – say at 6pm every evening – to ensure a comforting sense of predictability. Having something to look forward to each day like a phone call can be really meaningful for someone suffering from loneliness. 

BEFRIENDERS

Various UK mental health charities, as well as those dedicated to the elderly, facilitate volunteer ‘befrienders’ services, which help connect a ‘buddy’ with an elderly person. The two then share regular phone calls, visits (when permitted under COVID-19 guidelines), and assistance with transport and chores. 

If you’re living far from an elderly loved one and unable to provide first-hand support, then the aforementioned Age UK, the charity Independent Age and the Royal Voluntary Service, all offer such schemes. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you live in another country or city, or the current coronavirus restrictions mean that you can’t provide as much personal, face-to-face support as you’d normally like, then rest easy that there are still ways to ensure that an elderly parent, relative, neighbour or friend has the companionship they need and deserve.

Check out these 9 free mental health support services available during lockdown for more advice.