Dental Health
It’s really important to take good care of your teeth because you have them for your whole life.
Tooth brushing tips
- You should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes
- You should spit out after brushing but don’t rinse
- Don’t brush your teeth straight after eating or drinking as it will wear away the enamel
- It’s important to brush your teeth last thing at night before you go to bed
- Use fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 – 1500ppm (part per millions) fluoride
- Use a fluoride mouth rinse (alcohol free) every day at a different time to brushing.
Tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth breaks down sugar to cause an acid attack, which then dissolves the teeth.
Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can protect your teeth
Teeth are at most risk at night because there is less saliva in the mouth to protect them.
Tips for healthy teeth
Cutting down on how much sugar you eat can help reduce tooth decay and keep your teeth healthy.
- It’s best to eat food and drinks containing sugar at meal times
- Lots of food contains sugar – it’s not just the obvious things like sweets and cakes. Cereals, plain biscuits and yoghurts also contain a lot of sugar
- Dilute fruit juices and squashes with water
- Be careful with what you’re drinking; fizzy drinks can cause the wearing of teeth (known as erosion) because they have a high acid content and milk shakes contain a lot of sugar too.
Smoking and alcohol
Cutting down on how much sugar you eat can help reduce tooth decay and keep your teeth healthy.
- Smoking can lead to stained teeth and is bad breath
- Lots of food contains sugar – it’s not just the obvious things like sweets and cakes. Cereals, plain biscuits and yoghurts also contain a lot of sugar
- People who smoke are seven times more likely to have serious gum disease which can lead to loss of the bone that holds your teeth in meaning they might drop out.
- Drinking alcohol regularly can damage your teeth by causing erosion which leads to decay and painful sensitive teeth.
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching (also called bruxism) is often related to stress and anxiety.
Most people who grind their teeth and clench their jaw aren't aware they're doing it. It often happens when you’re asleep or while you’re concentrating or under stress.
If you worried about teeth grinding, you should speak to your dentist.
You can also find out more information by visiting NHS Choices
Braces
People need braces for lots of reasons. They can help you to bite correctly, eat more comfortably and to care for your teeth and gums more easily.
Braces can straighten crooked, crowded or protruding teeth, close gaps between teeth, and correct the bite of the teeth so the top and bottom teeth meet when you close your mouth.
Braces are usually more successful in children and teenagers which is why a lot of people have them while they are younger.
Visit NHS Choices for more information about braces
This information has been provided by our school nurses and NHS Choices