1. Use a softer toothbrush

A good oral-hygiene routine — brushing for at least two minutes and flossing twice a day, particularly before bed — is essential for gum health. However, it’s a misconception that hard-bristled brushes are best for removing daily debris from your teeth. Professor Damien Walmsley, the British Dental Association’s scientific adviser, says that dentists recommend softer bristles to protect the gums. “Scrubbing with a hard toothbrush can cause damage to the delicate gum tissue,” Walmsley says. “And it is easier to get a brush under the gum if it has soft bristles rather than hard.” Flossing has come under scrutiny by some dental authorities, but it is still recommended by the NHS for reducing gum disease.

2. Eat nuts, lentils and