Health Advice - Looking after your teeth

Why register with a dentist?

Once you have registered with a dentist, they have a duty of care to see you for emergency treatment and they will have your dental records. If you move to a new area you should register with a dentist straight away.

It is now recommended that children should have their teeth brushed from the moment their new teeth start to come through. As they grow up it will then be a 'good habit'. Routine - start a routine and stick to it, help your doctor by having regular check ups at the dentist. Prevention is always better than cure. If you visit your dentist regularly, you will need less treatment and your dentist will spot any problems earlier. It will also be easier to put these problems right.

Try to get into a good routine every day, and ensure that your children copy you.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Use a small to medium toothbrush
• A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is adequate
• Change your toothbrush regularly
• Use Small circular movements to clean your teeth
• Use dental floss to get between your teeth
• Visit the dentist regularly, at least twice a year

Orthodontic Treatment - may be required during the teenage years; regular check ups are vital to ensure the positioning of teeth for adulthood. Treatment such as braces may be required.

Tests have proved that certain electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque. They are particularly useful for people with limited movement, such as disabled or elderly people, who often find that using a normal toothbrush does not allow them to clean thoroughly. Electric toothbrushes can also be better for children as they may be more inclined to brush regularly because of the novelty of using an electric toothbrush. Discuss the idea with your dentist or hygienist to find out if you would benefit from using an electric toothbrush.

Diet - Eating a healthy diet, ensuring that the frequency of sugar intake is kept to a minimum will enable you and your family to keep tooth decay at bay.

Gum disease (gingivitis) - will show itself as red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed. Many people are alarmed when they notice this bleeding and will then brush more gently, if at all. It is important that you continue to clean regularly and firmly in order to fight the condition.