British Dental Association's scientific adviser, professor Damien Walmsley, explains why it's so important to prioritise your oral hygiene right now: "Preventing dental problems will put off more pressing problems in the future. Dental pain or discomfort is the result of previous poor diet choices such as excessive sugar or not brushing your teeth on a regular basis," he says, adding, "making sure that you look after your oral health is part of keeping your overall health in tip top condition."

Here are the at-home tools and tips to keep your teeth and gums in check.

- Get into a good routine

Cosmetic dentist, Dr Uchenna Okoye, shares her top tip for dental hygiene, and it involves keeping things simple: "Stick to the basics brushing your teeth twice a day, and use interdental brushes to clean between teeth," she says.

"The aim is to get rid of plaque bacteria that release toxins and cause damage."

An interdental brush is smaller than a toothbrush and is designed to clean between your teeth, where a regular toothbrush wouldn't normally reach.

Dr Okoye recommends using an electric toothbrush as they're more efficient at cleaning your teeth.

- When to brush your teeth

Common mistakes people make when brushing in the morning is to do so after eating breakfast, but according to Dr Okoye, it's better to do it before you eat.

"Brushing after eating breakfast is the worst time as tooth enamel is softened by the effects of what you've eaten and then you brush away the vulnerable enamel," she explains.

She goes on to advise that nighttime brushing is the most important as when you sleep, you produce the least amount of saliva, which protects your teeth.

Dr Okoye also recommends regularly disinfecting your brush by dipping it in a mouthwash, and if you don't have any, boiling water is an alternative.

- Find the right toothpaste

According to professor Walmsley: "Fluoride in the toothpaste is the important ingredient to prevent tooth decay."

It'll prevent plaque buildup, cavities, tartar and will help build up protection against sensitivities.

"A mouthwash isn't essential (unless prescribed by your dental practitioner), but don't neglect tooth brushing," says professor Walmsley, who adds: "If you want to use a mouthwash, make sure to use it at a different time to brushing, otherwise you will rinse away the beneficial effect of fluoride in the toothpaste."

- Cut down on sugary foods

Being at home means we're snacking more than usual, but try to cut down on your sugar intake to help protect your pearly whites.

"Increased sugar consumption will lead to dental decay and also may cause other health problems so aim to reduce it," says professor Walmsley.