Look after your teeth

Look after your teeth

Advice for keeping up with good oral hygiene.

Guidelines for good oral health

Brushing

  • brush your teeth for 2 minutes before bed and at least one other time in the day
  • clean between your teeth with “interdental” brushes or floss once a day
  • use a toothpaste with between 1300-1500ppm of fluoride in for adults and children over 6 years
  • Children under 6 years should use a toothpaste with at least 1000ppm of fluoride
  • use a pea sized amount of toothpaste for 3 years and above and a smear of toothpaste for under 3 years
  • brush baby teeth as soon as they come through with a smear of toothpaste, twice a day

Diet

  • cut down on sugary food and drinks in between meals
  • stick to drinking plain milk and plain water in between meals
  • snack on foods that are naturally sugar free e.g. cheese, crackers, savoury sandwiches etc.

Visit a Dentist for 

  • regular dental check-ups
  • dental treatments
  • regular fluoride varnish application for children

Where can I find out more?

To see what is being done locally to improve oral health please visit The Worcestershire Oral Health Facebook and Twitter pages.

For more information on how to look after your teeth and gums please visit:

The Better Health – healthier family's campaign has tips and ideas for cutting down on sugary foods and drinks and has resources to help support a switch to healthier eating and drinking choices

For more detailed advice about how to keep your mouth healthy please visit your dentist

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