Shine up your smile

Brush with success
Whether you're using an electric brush or stuck with the old manual then "Keep the brush at a 45-degree angle and move it back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes," says James Goolnik from the Bow Lane Dental Group. Also, take your time while brushing (a good rule of thumb is about two minutes).

Tip: "The bristles of your brush should not be too hard, because otherwise they can, over time, erode away the gums and lead to a receding gum line. Also, your brush should fit your mouth properly, allowing you to reach all tooth surfaces easily," says Goolnik.

Breath-freshening toothpaste
Any brand of fluoride toothpaste will get those gnashers gleaming. Fluoride helps teeth retain calcium, which keeps them strong and slows the production of acids that attack teeth. Goolnik recommends Breath Rx as a good fluoride paste.

Tip: "Don't waste your money on whitening toothpastes - they cannot whiten your teeth, they'll just reduce stain build-up in the future" says Goolnik.

Slide the floss through
After you've snacked at your desk, if you don't remove the offending chunks within several hours, the decay-causing acids will begin taking effect, and the bad bacteria in your mouth will begin the decay process. Reason enough to start flossing don't you agree?

Tip: Wrap the floss around your middle finger, and use your thumb and forefingers on each hand to grip and manoeuvre the floss. Goolnik says: "You should not jab or force the floss between your teeth while flossing, but gently insert the floss and glide it into a C shape down to the gum line and up again, with a gentle rocking motion."

Wash bacteria away
Okay, we know it gives you fresh breath and we know women are less likely to run away from you when you gargle with mouthwash, but according to Japanese researchers, it also keep colds at bay. There are many varieties available in your local supermarket in which the active ingredients vary from eucalyptus and menthol to antibacterial agents. It's all a matter of taste. Goolnik advises an alcohol-free brand causing less irritation to your mouth with long-term use.

Tip: Drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated. It works as a natural mouthwash by washing away sulphurous bacteria that may stop you from having fresh breath.

Scrape off smells
Most women will tell you a man's tongue is an underrated thing, but with more than 100 bacteria, to every skin cell, it's also a bug breeding ground. "Oolit tongue scraper - Scraping away that sticky coating from the back of your tongue twice a day will keep bad breath at bay. Double up with a tongue gel and it will also help break down the gases that cause halitosis," says Goolnik.

Tip: Find out if you have bad breath by performing the ‘lick wrist test'. Lick the inside of your wrist and smell the saliva as it dries. Although not a conclusive test, if the smell is bad then there's a good chance your breath is too.

Chew on it
Sugar-free gum containing the compound xylitol may aid in the battle against tooth decay. According to Goolnik, xylitol replaces calorie-laden sugars that lead to tooth decay - it also helps prevent cavities by curbing bacteria growth. Get chewing.

Tip: Chewing gum is great for after meals but no substitute for cleaning your teeth, try and keep a travel toothbrush and toothpaste in your desk drawer.

Still Unconfortable With Your Breath Smell?

Call Alya +6019-216 3056. She will help you to solve that problem.