Sally Foran examines if beauty routines shape dental care

In a recent column, writer Sally Foran examines whether elaborate beauty regimens are reshaping daily dental hygiene habits. She argues that oral care has transformed into a sophisticated extension of personal grooming, mirroring the multi-step routines popular in modern skincare.

TePe Survey Tracks Irish Dental Hygiene Habits

The data reveals that 50.4% of Irish adults use interdental brushes or dental floss. Meanwhile, just 39% of the population opts for an electric toothbrush.

Additional findings from the TePe survey show that almost a third of respondents, or 32%, use toothpicks. Tongue scrapers are utilized by 14% of the population, while water flossers account for 11% of choices.

For expert insight, Foran spoke with Dr Vanessa Creaven, a dentist and founder of Spotlight Oral Care. Dr Creaven draws a direct parallel between contemporary dental routines and the beauty industry.

Oral care in recent years has gone through the same shift skincare went through a decade ago. People see their teeth and mouth as part of their appearance and health. People are investing in their oral health with the rise of invisalign, whitening treatments, composite bonding and investing in sonic toothbrush technology and targeted toothpastes with real active ingredients. But more steps doesn’t necessarily means better results.

Dr Vanessa Creaven

To counter the impulse of adding unnecessary steps, Dr Creaven outlines a straightforward daily routine. She recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste using a sonic toothbrush, followed by spitting rather than rinsing. Daily flossing with traditional floss or a water flosser, alongside regular professional cleanings and checkups, completes the recommended regimen.

Scientific Connections to Broader Health Risks

Maintaining oral hygiene extends far beyond cosmetic appearance, as mouth health remains closely tied to overall bodily wellness. Common issues such as bleeding gums can indicate gum disease, while oral thrush represents a fungal infection with multiple potential underlying causes.

Furthermore, scientific researchers are actively investigating potential links between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, studies examine porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium associated with gum disease that produces proteins known as gingipains. Laboratory tests show these proteins damage cells, though researchers emphasize that more work is required to determine whether gum disease directly contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s.

Specific Products Highlighted in the Column

Alongside professional recommendations, the column details several specific products utilized in personal routines. These items range from sonic toothbrushes to targeted mouthwashes and microbiotic lozenges.

• Spotlight Oral Care Classic Sonic Toothbrush, priced at an RRP of €70.
• TePe Interdental Brushes, available in a wide selection of sixes.
• Clinsept+ Dental Mouthwash, formulated to provide antimicrobial protection without alcohol, chlorhexidine, or artificial flavouring.
• Udo’s Choice Super 5 Microbiotics Lozenges, containing the lactobacillus salivarius strain designed to dissolve in the mouth.
• Burst Expanding Floss, featuring a black design and a mint eucalyptus scent for €5.95 at Meaghers Pharmacy.
• Burst Whitening Breath Strips, offering rapid dissolution for €6.30 at Meaghers pharmacy.