Prevention plan

Prevention is the best cure

When it comes to your oral health, prevention is the best cure. Adhering to a good oral hygiene routine, reducing the amount and frequency of sugars you consume and visiting your dentist regularly will allow you to maintain good oral health and prevent diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease. Our 'Your Prevention Plan' leaflet, linked on this page, can be tailored to your specific dental needs and is designed to help you keep your teeth and gums in good health.

Top tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy

• Don't rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste!
• Use an interdental brush that provides a snug fit but doesn't cause pain when used. Your dentist should be able to help you with this
• Insert your interdental brush between your teeth and move it back and forth 8-10 times before removing. Repeat this between every tooth
• Replace your interdental brush every 2 weeks
• Use normal floss for tight areas
• Consider using a single tufted brush around dental implants and teeth which have large amounts of recession, are not fully erupted, or are restored with crowns
• Consider using superfloss to clean around and under any bridges you may have
• Never use mouthwash after you have brushed our teeth, only before toothbrushing or any other time in the day
• Wait at least 30 minutes after eating or drinking something acidic or sugary before you brush
• Keep snacking to a maximum of once per day
• Limit sugary food or drinks to mealtimes only
• Consider using a straw when drinking fizzy drinks