Oral Health
Advice
Ages 0-3 years
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From six months of age infants should be introduced to drinking from a free-flow cup, and from age one, feeding from a bottle should be discouraged
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Sugar should not be added to weaning foods or drinks
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Parents/carers should brush or supervise toothbrushing
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As soon as teeth erupt in the mouth, brush them twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste
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Brush last thing at night and on one other occasion
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Use fluoridated toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm fluoride
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It is good practice to use only a smear of toothpaste
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The frequency and amount of sugary food and drinks should be reduced
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Sugar-free medicines are recommended
NHS dental checks and treatment is free up to the age of 18. Babies should be taken to the dentist from a very early age to get them used to the unfamiliar sounds and smells of the surgery.
Take children from an early age, do not wait until something has gone wrong.
For more diet advice and information about sugars click here.
Great oral health can only be achieved when both the dental team and patient work together.
Poor oral health can be linked to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes, pneumonia, premature births, cancers and other major conditions.
We are committed to preventive dentistry and empowering our patients with the skills and knowledge to maintain good oral health at home. We would appreciate it if you would spend a few minutes of your time to read through the information in the relevant links below which are filled with advice and information. We look forward to working with you to keep your teeth and gums healthy and beautiful throughout your life.
These guidelines are all evidence based and are recommended by the NHS and Public Health England.
Ages 3-6 years
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Brush at least twice daily, with a fluoridated toothpaste
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Brush last thing at night and at least on one other occasion
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See your dentist at least twice a year to apply fluoride varnish to teeth (2.2% NaF-)
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Brushing should be supervised by a parent/carer
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Use fluoridated toothpaste containing more than 1,000ppm fluoride
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It is good practice to use only a pea size amount
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Spit out after brushing and do not rinse, to maintain fluoride concentration levels
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The frequency and amount of sugary food and drinks should be reduced
-
Sugar-free medicines are recommended
NHS dental checks and treatment is free up to the age of 18. Babies should be taking from a very early age to get them used to the unfamiliar sounds and smells of the surgery.
It is easier to repair a small problem rather than leaving it until patients are in pain
Take children from an early age, do not wait until something has gone wrong.
For more Diet advice and information about sugars click here
Ages 7-17 years
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Brush at least twice daily, with a fluoridated toothpaste
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Use a small headed medium manual toothbrush or an Oral-B round headed electric toothbrush
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See your dentist at least twice a year to apply fluoride varnish to teeth (2.2% NaF-)
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Brush last thing at night and at least on one other occasion
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Use fluoridated toothpaste (1,350-1,500ppm fluoride)
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Spit out after brushing and do not rinse, to maintain fluoride concentration levels
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Try not to have anything to eat or drink for 30-60 minutes after cleaning your teeth
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Brushing straight after eating or drinking sugary things is never a good idea
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The frequency and amount of sugary food and drinks should be reduced
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Use a fluoride mouth rinse daily (0.05% NaF-) at a different time to brushing
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Clean daily between the teeth to below the gum line before toothbrushing
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For small spaces between teeth: use dental floss or tape
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For larger spaces: use interdental or single-tufted brushes
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NHS dental checks and treatment is free up to the age of 18.
It is easier to repair a small problem rather than leaving it until patients are in pain.
For more information about gum disease click here.
For more diet advice and information about sugars click here.
Adults
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Brush at least twice daily, with a fluoridated toothpaste
-
Use a small headed medium manual toothbrush or an Oral-B round headed electric toothbrush
-
Brush last thing at night and at least on one other occasion
-
Use fluoridated toothpaste with at least 1,350ppm fluoride
-
Spit out after brushing and do not rinse, to maintain fluoride concentration
-
The frequency and amount of sugary food and drinks should be reduced
-
Use a fluoride mouthrinse daily (0.05% NaF-) at a different time to brushing
-
Clean daily between the teeth to below the gum line before toothbrushing
-
For small spaces between teeth: use dental floss or tape
-
For larger spaces: use interdental or single-tufted brushes
-
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Try not to have anything to eat or drink for 30-60 minutes after cleaning your teeth
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Brushing straight after eating or drinking sugary things is never a good idea
Mouthwash may freshen your breath but it cannot clean away the sticky plaque.
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Bad breath is caused by the bacteria in dental plaque so a regular tooth brushing routine is the best solution
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If you do use mouthwash then use it at a different time from tooth brushing; remember it is best not to rinse straight after brushing
Have regular dental checks to make sure that nothing is wrong with your teeth and oral health. You will usually need to see a dentist once or twice a year.
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It is easier to repair a small problem rather than leaving it until you are in pain
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Take children from an early age, do not wait until something has gone wrong.
The dentist will not only check teeth and gums but will check for early warning signs of mouth cancers. For more information about oral cancer click here
For more information about gum disease click here
For more diet advice and information about sugars click here