Looking after our teeth and gums

As well as visiting the dentist regularly, it is very important that we take proper care of our teeth at home, in between visits.

Cleaning our teeth stops plaque from building up so we are less likely to get cavities (holes) in our teeth and gum disease. Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste: once in the morning and once in the evening before going to bed.

Lots of dentists recommend electric toothbrushes because they can make it easier to clean the teeth at the back of the mouth. Of course an electric toothbrush won’t be suitable for everyone and there are lots of different manual ones to choose from. There are also lots of specialist brushes and grips available for people who find a regular toothbrush hard to hold. Your dentist can give advice on choosing the right toothbrush.

It is also a good idea to use floss or interdental brushes to clean in between teeth. After brushing, rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash will get rid of any last bits of food or bacteria that might still be in the mouth. Always spit out mouthwash, don’t swallow it.

Our diet plays a big part in how healthy our teeth and gums are. We should all try to avoid eating and drinking lots of sugary things and limit any sugary food and drink to mealtimes. Sugar creates acid in our mouths that eats away at the enamel (the outside layer) of our teeth. This leads to cavities (holes) forming in our teeth which can cause pain and infection and will require dental treatment.

Between meals it is best to drink water rather than fizzy drinks or fruit juices that contain lots of sugar. Also try to avoid snacking between mealtimes or at least stick to snacks like nuts, cheese or raw vegetables. It is a really good idea to rinse your mouth after eating.